Can an owner challenge an adjudication determination?
Yes, but with conditions. A party may apply for adjudication review within 7 days if the difference between the relevant amounts is at least S$100,000, and a respondent must first pay the adjudicated amount to the authorised nominating body. A party may also apply to court to set aside a determination, on grounds such as non-compliance with the Act or breach of natural justice, but must pay the unpaid adjudicated amount into court as security.
From the RRD Field Guide, checked against the sources cited in Security of Payment Act (SOPA) Singapore: Progress Payments and Adjudication for Owners and Contractors. General information, not advice for your project.
The fuller picture
Singapore's Security of Payment Act gives anyone who does construction work or supplies goods or services under a written contract a statutory right to progress payment. The claimant serves a payment claim; the respondent must reply with a payment response within the contract period (maximum 21 days) or 14 days; unresolved disputes go to fast adjudication at the Singapore Mediation Centre, enforceable as a court judgment.
More questions on this topic
- Does SOPA apply to my renovation or fit-out contract?
- What happens if the owner does not send a payment response?
- How long does SOPA adjudication take?
- How much does adjudication cost?
- Can a contract avoid SOPA or use a pay-when-paid clause?
- Can the contractor stop work if it is not paid?
- Is a WhatsApp or email agreement a written contract for SOPA?