Payment delay letter
Payment Delay Letter for Certified Amounts
How to notify late payment, protect cash-flow rights, and request prompt settlement of certified sums under a construction contract.
Last reviewed:Contract Copilot editorial team
Short answer
A payment delay letter should identify the certified amount, payment certificate, due date, outstanding sum, contractual payment basis, and the contractor's reservation of rights for consequences of non-payment.
When to use it
- A certified or agreed amount remains unpaid after the contractual payment date.
- Late payment is affecting cash flow, procurement, subcontractors, or progress.
- The contractor needs to escalate without waiving rights or threatening unsupported remedies.
What to include
- Certificate number, amount, due date, and amount outstanding.
- Contract clauses governing certification, payment, interest, or suspension if applicable.
- A request for immediate payment and reservation of rights.
Common mistakes
- Omitting the payment due date or certified amount.
- Threatening suspension without checking the contract procedure.
- Failing to preserve rights to interest, cost, or other remedies.
Sample opening wording
The Contractor refers to Payment Certificate No. [●] and notes that the certified amount remains outstanding beyond the contractual payment date. The Contractor requests immediate settlement and reserves all rights arising from the Employer's non-payment.
Educational sample only. Contract Copilot is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice; users should review every letter against the contract and governing law.
Related contract terms
Payment certificateContract priceSuspension
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