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When Does the Builder Have to Pay?

Under Australian law, builders have strict deadlines to pay invoices or respond in writing. Enter your details below to see the exact dates that apply to your situation.

All Australian statesAccounts for weekends & holidaysBased on current legislation
Payment Deadline Calculator
Enter your reference date and state to calculate key Security of Payment deadlines

The reference date as determined by your contract or the legislation

How These Deadlines Work

1

Reference Date

This is the date your right to claim kicks in. It's usually set by your contract, or defaults to the last day of each month if your contract doesn't say.

2

Builder's Response

Once you serve your payment claim, the builder has a set number of days to respond in writing. If they don't respond, they owe the full amount.

3

Next Steps

If the builder disputes or ignores your claim, you can take it to adjudication - a fast-track process where an independent expert decides what you're owed.

Deadlines by State

NSW

Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999

Builder must respond within 10 business days

VIC

Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002

Builder must respond within 10 business days

QLD

Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017

Builder must respond within 15 business days

WA

Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Act 2021

Builder must respond within 14 calendar days

SA

Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2009

Builder must respond within 10 business days

TAS

Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2009

Builder must respond within 10 business days

ACT

Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Act 2009

Builder must respond within 10 business days

NT

Construction Contracts (Security of Payments) Act 2004

Builder must respond within 10 business days