What is the retainage cap in Connecticut?

On public work the planning cap is 5%. On private work it is 5%. Bid documents and the subcontract still control if they are stricter.

When is retainage released in Connecticut?

Public jobs typically release 90 days after completion. Private jobs: Per contract. Confirm the contract date — several states changed caps in 2025–2026.

How fast must a prime pay a sub in Connecticut?

30 days after the prime is paid (public). Owner or agency to prime is Public: 45 days after invoice. Late-pay interest: 1% monthly on public late pay.

Connecticut · CT

Connecticut retainage law and prompt-payment rules

Both public and private retainage are capped at 5%. Start in the code: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 49-41c; § 42-158j.

Use this page when you are bidding or billing a job in Connecticut. Public retainage is listed as 5%; private as 5%. Typical public release is 90 days after completion.

Then open the retainage calculator for the dollars, or the G702-style pay application if you need line-by-line previous certificates.

Where is the job?

State and project type drive retainage caps and payment clocks

State

Project type

Caps and clocks change with project type, contract value, and the year you signed. Planning table only — confirm the current statute before you rely on a date.

Connecticut — private work

Retainage cap5%

Typical retainage releasePer contract

Interest / penalty1% monthly on public late pay

Owner / agency to primePublic: 45 days after invoice

Prime to sub (after prime paid)30 days after the prime is paid (public)

Start in the codeConn. Gen. Stat. § 49-41c; § 42-158j

Both public and private retainage are capped at 5%.

Summaries compiled for planning. This site is not a law firm.

Run the retainage dollars

Questions this page answers

What is the retainage cap in Connecticut?: On public work the planning cap is 5%. On private work it is 5%. Bid documents and the subcontract still control if they are stricter.
When is retainage released in Connecticut?: Public jobs typically release 90 days after completion. Private jobs: Per contract. Confirm the contract date — several states changed caps in 2025–2026.
How fast must a prime pay a sub in Connecticut?: 30 days after the prime is paid (public). Owner or agency to prime is Public: 45 days after invoice. Late-pay interest: 1% monthly on public late pay.

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