Source: https://www.quantsurv.com/resources/glossary/pay-less-notice Content format: Markdown version of the public page. Content reviewed: 2026-09-30 # Pay Less Notice: definition and example The notice your main contractor must send if it plans to pay you less than the notified sum. By [Jack Butler-Kettle]() ยท Updated 30 September 2026 Guidance for England and Wales. Check the contract, amendments and facts that apply to your job. ## What it means in practice Read this alongside [section 111 of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996](). A pay less notice is part of the payment mechanism for paying less than the notified sum. Content, timing and service are important, including the sum considered due and its basis. A letter alleging defects is not necessarily a valid pay less notice, and a valid notice does not finally decide liability. Check the document and underlying deduction separately. [Underpayment recovery]() can help organise that distinction and the supporting evidence. ## Worked example ### The facts A subcontractor receives a deduction letter before the expected payment. ### What happens 1. It checks the notice deadline, stated sum, calculation and method of service. 2. It separately examines whether the alleged deduction is justified on the facts. ### What this shows The payment procedure and the merits of the deduction are related questions, but neither replaces the other. ## Sources 1. [Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, s 111 (Requirement to pay notified sum)](). legislation.gov.uk.