Meetings and retainers
Unused retainer hours and rollover
Say whether unused hours roll over, expire, or convert. Write the rule before the retainer starts.
More guides sit on the guides index.
Short answer
Do unused retainer hours roll over?
Only if you say so in writing. Common choices: hours expire each month, a small rollover cap for one month, or no rollover at all. State the rule in the retainer agreement before kickoff so both sides plan the month.
Why you need a written rule
Clients assume unused hours bank forever unless you say otherwise.
You reserved capacity. That has a cost even when they stay quiet.
Three plain policies
Expire monthly. Unused hours do not roll. Simplest to admin.
Limited rollover. For example, up to four hours may roll one month, then expire.
No rollover, with a use-it plan. You send a mid-month check so hours get used on agreed work.
Write it into the retainer
Example: “Unused hours expire at month end and do not roll over.”
Example: “Up to four unused hours may roll once into the next month, then expire.”
Related pages
If you want tools later
You do not need these to use the guide. One-time files.
Also: change-order email page · blank change-order template · Payhip store
FAQ
Is rollover required?
No. Many freelancers expire hours monthly.
What if they hoard hours then dump them?
A rollover cap or expiry stops that pattern.
Not legal advice. Match your contract and local rules. This is a process aid, not a lawyer.