{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Economic research & forecasting Economics Housing outlook Economic reports & data Tailored market research Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News and inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Become an apprentice host Hire an apprentice Why host a HIA apprentice? Apprentice partner program Builder & manufacturer program Industry insurance Construction legal expenses insurance Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Planning & safety solutions Building & planning services How can safety solutions help you? Independent site inspections Solutions for your business Contracts Online HIA Tradepass HIA SafeScan Advertise jobs Trusted support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Professional services Industrial relations Member savings Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Fuel savings See all
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Falls from heights Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Maintaining your business See all Other subjects COVID-19 Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom and design hub Get to know us Our members Our people Our partners Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2023 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA products
HIA products $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Shop @ HIA Digital Australian Standards Contracts Online Shipping & delivery Purchasing T&Cs See all Products Purchase NCC 2022 Building codes & standards Economic reports Hard copy contracts Guides & manuals
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Mutual termination or cancellation of a building contract

Find out what grounds exist for cancelling a building contract and how to use a deed of mutual termination when deciding to terminate a contract.
{{ tag.label }} {{ tag.label }} $vuetify.icons.faTimes

There are a number of reasons why a building contract may need to be terminated or cancelled. Terminating a contract should not be entered into lightly and there a number of ways it can be done.

A contract is typically terminated by one of the following means:  

  • Termination by performance – Is when a contract has come to a natural end and both parties have met their obligations under the terms of the contact. A deed of mutual termination is not needed in this instance. 
  • Termination by breach  – When one party breaches the contract, the other party may decide to terminate the contract. 
  • Termination by agreement – Is when both parties wish to terminate the contact by mutual decision. A deed of mutual termination may be used for both a termination by breach and a termination by agreement. 

This resource defines what a deed of mutual determination is and when it should be used. A case study is provided in which a home owner and a builder agree to terminate a contract after being in dispute about the date for the completion of the works. 

Also contained in this resource are details about what needs to be included in a deed, as well as an explanation of what happens when there is a breach of the deed.

Access this resource now

$vuetify.icons.faSearchPlus

Non-Member price

{{product.currencySymbol}}{{product.listPrice | asCurrency}}

Member price

FREE

{{product.currencySymbol}}{{ membersPrice | asCurrency}}

Login or create an account Add to cart $vuetify.icons.faPlus Login or create an account Get it now $vuetify.icons.faArrowToBottom
Item added to cart

Please proceed to cart to checkout Cart

Item not added to cart

Please try again

$vuetify.icons.faTimesCircle
Didn’t find what you were looking for?

Who is it for?

Building Professionals

This resource is designed for builders and industry professionals who want to know more about cancelling or terminating a building contract.

What does it include?

  • How a contract is terminated
  • What a deed of mutual termination is
  • When a deed of mutual termination should be used
  • What should be included in a deed
  • What happens when there is a breach of the deed.

Become a HIA member today

Join Australia’s largest residential building association to gain access to a huge range of industry products and business services. We can help you manage, operate and grow your business.