---
title: "Retainage release | Drywall Glossary"
url: https://tapeandfloat.com/glossary/retainage-release.html
language: en
author: James Grokman, CEO, TapeAndFloat
updated: 2026-10-28
---

# Retainage release

**Retainage release is billing for and collecting the retainage held on a job, usually at substantial completion, final completion or another point set in your contract. Some states regulate when it must be paid.**

> **Not legal advice.** This is a general explanation for contractors across the U.S. Lien and payment rules differ by state and by contract, and they change. Before you act on a lien, waiver or payment clause, talk to a construction attorney in your state.

## Why it matters on a drywall job

- Retainage is often a meaningful share of a job's margin, and it waits on paperwork, not just work.
- Closeout items such as waivers and punch-list sign-off often have to be in before it's released.

For one state's rules, see the [Texas lien guide for subcontractors](https://tapeandfloat.com/guides/texas-lien-deadlines.html). It covers Texas only.

## Related guides and tools

- [Drywall retainage (blog)](https://tapeandfloat.com/blog/drywall-retainage-texas.html)
- [Final payment and retainage (GC guide)](https://gc.tapeandfloat.com/guides/final-payment-retainage-homeowners.html)
- [Texas lien guide for subcontractors](https://tapeandfloat.com/guides/texas-lien-deadlines.html)
- [All glossary terms](https://tapeandfloat.com/glossary/)

---

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_¿Prefiere español? [Liberación de la retención](https://tapeandfloat.com/es/glosario/liberacion-de-retencion.html)._