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Defects liability period

Also known as: Rectification period

The defects liability period is the time after completion during which the contractor must return to fix defects that appear in the work.

The defects liability period, sometimes called the rectification period, is a set length of time after practical completion, often six or twelve months, during which the contractor is responsible for putting right defects that appear in their work at no extra cost to the client.

It is closely tied to retention: the final part of the retained money is usually released only once the period ends and any defects have been made good. The exact length and terms come from the contract.

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