What is a no-damages-for-delay clause?
Last reviewed July 5, 2026
A no-damages-for-delay clause limits a contractor's ability to claim damages for delays caused by the owner or other parties. The contractor may only receive an extension of time instead of monetary compensation. This clause appears often in AIA and ConsensusDocs contracts.
Key points
- Limits contractor claims for delays
- Only allows time extensions, no monetary damages
- Common in AIA and ConsensusDocs contracts
These clauses protect the owner from financial liability for delays that are not their fault. They can lead to disputes if delays are significant or caused by the owner's actions, so understanding their impact is important when reviewing contracts.
How Alloovium helps
Alloovium can help you analyze contract clauses and their impact on your project.
See how it worksRelated questions
- How do I prepare a certified payroll report for a federal project?
- How do I respond to a backcharge from a general contractor?
- How do I submit a change order request under an AIA contract?
- How long do I have to submit a delay claim under AIA A201?
- What are the general conditions in an AIA A201 contract?
- What documentation supports a construction delay claim in the US?
General information for US construction professionals — not legal advice. Lien deadlines, retainage caps and notice rules vary by state; verify with the state statute or a construction attorney.