retention money

[radim]

did job for joiner in october. was chasing him for money ever since. invoice for £760.
today cheque arrived for £700,
. he says he keeps retention money £60 and when he get settlet in full than will I. He is obviously taking a ****.
there is no written contract. for how long can he keep this money? will take him to court if need to do so.
it was private customer he build extension for so no commercial job. I can phone customer direct to find out if she paid him or just wait.....
thanks

 

[Chalker]

He can only keep retention if you both have agreed on percentage and time.
but is bad form from a private customer.

 

[Andy Allen]

Sounds like he's taking you for a ride. ..

 

[radim]

Sounds like he's taking you for a ride. ..

u probably right....

 

[judge]

£60 retention !!! .Whats the point! I would go and see the customer

 

[White Room]

I had retention on site many years ago, 10% seemed the standard then...on domestic never heard of it.

 

[Alan M]

first of all they are 3 months late paying you. probably trying to get out of paying you.
you say you had to chase him . if he was on 90 payment he would have just said that. he just didn't want to give it to you.
now he wants to keep 60 pounds,
send him an invoice for the 60 plus a late penalty of 60 (20 x 3 months) . tell him final payment is due within 7 days . send it registered post.
then sent him an intent to proceed to debt collection. get your solicitor to send it along with their bill.

send the right message and this will never happen again