Defects Liability Period
As Gaeilge: Tréimhse Dliteanais Lochtanna
Also known as: DLP, Maintenance Period, Rectification Period
Last reviewed April 2026
The period after substantial completion during which the contractor must return to remedy defects at its own cost, typically 12 months on Irish public works.
On the PW-CF suite of Irish public works contracts, the defects-liability period (often 12 months, sometimes longer for mechanical and electrical installations) runs from the date of substantial completion. During this window the contractor is obliged to make good any defect arising from non-compliance with the contract, at its own cost, within reasonable timeframes set by the engineer. Final retention is released at the end of the period once outstanding defects are certified as rectified.
In the Tenderwatch data
- Appears in 1 notices captured in the last 12 months on Tenderwatch (as at October 2026).
Sources and legal basis
Primary legislation and official guidance. Always confirm the current text on the source before relying on it.
Related terms
Retention Money
A percentage of each interim payment held back by the authority to secure rectification of defects, released after substantial completion and again at the end of the defects period.
PW-CF (Public Works Contract Form)
The standard Irish government construction contracts (PW-CF1–CF5) under the Capital Works Management Framework: fixed-price, non-negotiable.
Performance Bond
A guarantee from a surety (bank or insurer) that the contractor will complete the works, typically 12.5% of the contract sum on Irish public works.
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