Check Your Retainer Agreement
Upload your retainer agreement or ongoing services contract. See risks around scope creep, unused hours, rate changes, and termination traps — with negotiation language.
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What Guard-Clause catches in retainer agreements
No Unused Hours Rollover
§3 — Retainer Fee & Usage
Unused retainer hours expire at the end of each month. You pay the full retainer regardless of whether the client uses the time. There's no credit, carryover, or refund.
Scope Beyond the Retainer
§2 — Scope of Services
The agreement defines the retainer as covering 'general services' without a clear scope boundary. The client can request work outside the original intent without triggering overage charges.
Client Can Change Rates at Renewal
§8 — Term & Renewal
The retainer auto-renews monthly, but the client can adjust your rate with 30 days notice. You don't have the same right to increase your rate.
Termination Kills Pending Invoices
§6 — Termination
If the client terminates, they only pay for hours 'accepted' prior to termination. Work in progress and submitted-but-unreviewed hours may not be compensated.