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I have the PC certificate but not a formal DLP sign-off. Could this be their get-out?
Potentially. Send them a formal letter requesting confirmation of DLP expiry and make clear you will proceed to adjudication within 21 days if retention isn't released. Often just the mention of adjudication unlocks a payment that's been sitting there for months. These things frequently resolve the moment the main contractor realises you're serious.
Send a formal letter before action (LBA) via recorded post to the main contractor. Give them 14 days to pay. If they don't respond or continue ignoring, you have two main options: adjudication (fast, industry specific, binding) or small claims/county court (cheaper but slower). For £14k adjudication is probably worthwhile. RICS and RIBA both have referral services. This is absolutely recoverable, don't walk away from it.
Also check whether the defects liability period has been formally closed out. Sometimes contractors try to argue the clock is still running because they issued a snagging list that was never signed off. Make sure you have written confirmation the DLP ended.
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