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HomeCivil CodeDiv. 4Pt. 6Ch. 8Art. 2§ 8814 Retention Payment To Subcontractors

§ 8814 Retention Payment To Subcontractors

Civil Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 8814 Retention Payment To Subcontractors

Key Takeaways

  • •If a big boss (direct contractor) holds back some money from workers (subcontractors), they must pay that money within 10 days of getting it themselves.
  • •If the money is meant for a specific worker, the big boss must give it to that worker, unless their agreement says otherwise.
  • •If there’s a fight (dispute) between the big boss and a worker, the big boss can hold back up to 1.5 times the amount they think is owed.

Example

A construction company hires a plumber to fix pipes in a new building. The company holds back $1,000 from the plumber’s pay until the job is fully checked. When the company gets the $1,000 from the building owner, they must pay the plumber within 10 days.

The law says the company can’t keep the plumber’s money for too long. They have to pass it on quickly unless there’s a good reason, like a fight over bad work.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 8814 Retention Payment To Subcontractors

(a) If a direct contractor has withheld a retention from one or more subcontractors, the direct contractor shall, within 10 days after receiving all or part of a retention payment, pay to each subcontractor from whom retention has been withheld that subcontractor’s share of the payment. (b) If a retention received by the direct contractor is specifically designated for a particular subcontractor, the direct contractor shall pay the retention payment to the designated subcontractor, if consistent with the terms of the subcontract. (c) If a good faith dispute exists between the direct contractor and a subcontractor, the direct contractor may withhold from the retention to the subcontractor an amount not in excess of 150 percent of the estimated value of the disputed amount. (Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 697, Sec. 20. (SB 189) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative July 1, 2012, by Sec. 105 of Ch. 697 and by Section 8052.)

Last verified: January 21, 2026

Key Terms

direct contractorretention paymentsubcontractorgood faith dispute

Related Statutes

  • § 8810 Retention Payment Withholding Rules
  • § 8802 Subcontractor Progress Payments
  • § 8812 Retention Payment Deadlines
  • § 8816 Disputed Work Payment Deadlines
  • § 8818 Retention Payment Penalties

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Civil Code. Section 8814.
View Official Source