Free Retainer Agreement Template
Establish a reliable ongoing service relationship with a professional retainer agreement. AI generates complete retainer contracts instantly.
📆 Monthly Commitment
Defines recurring retainer fees, billing cycles, and hours allocation.
⏱️ Hour Tracking
Clear structure for tracking hours against the retainer balance.
🔄 Flexible Terms
Includes rollover, pause, and adjustment provisions for dynamic relationships.
Create Your Retainer Agreement
Generate a complete retainer agreement tailored to your service relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a retainer agreement?
A retainer agreement is a contract where a client pays in advance for ongoing services. The retainer fee secures the contractor's availability over a specified period, and services are billed against it as work is performed.
How does billing work with a retainer?
Typically, the client pays a fixed monthly retainer fee upfront. As work is performed, hours or services are deducted from the retainer. Any unused portion may or may not roll over, depending on your agreement terms.
What hours should I include in the retainer?
Include a reasonable number of hours that reflects the expected monthly workload. Common retainers range from 10-40 hours per month depending on the service type and client needs.
Can the retainer amount be adjusted?
Yes. The template includes provisions for retainer adjustments with notice periods, allowing either party to renegotiate terms as needs change.
What happens if the retainer is exhausted?
The agreement typically defines what happens when hours are used — either work pauses until the next billing cycle, or additional hours are billed at an agreed-upon rate.