Deferral of payment (henstand)
Also known as payment deferral, forbearance, extended payment terms, henstand, betalingsudsættelse, udsat betaling
A deferral of payment is an agreement to postpone payment to a later date — without the claim being reduced.
Key facts
- Interest
- Continues to accrue
In practice
A deferral is often the right answer to a temporary liquidity squeeze at an otherwise good customer. But agree it in writing, and agree what happens to the interest.
Keep an eye on the limitation period as well: a deferral does not in itself interrupt it. A written acknowledgement of the debt does — so ask for one while you are granting the deferral anyway.
Where it commonly goes wrong
- The deferral is granted verbally. You are then left with neither proof of the agreement nor an acknowledgement of the debt.