The NSW Government has officially delayed the implementation of new fire safety regulations until 13 February 2026. Originally set to take effect in early 2025, these reforms aim to enhance fire safety standards, upgrade alarm systems, and improve evacuation protocols in residential buildings.
The decision to postpone the new fire safety laws comes after feedback from property stakeholders, including strata managers, developers, and fire safety professionals. The reforms introduced new compliance requirements, which many older buildings struggled to implement within the initial timeline.
Key Changes to Fire Safety Regulations
Australian Standard (AS) 1851 Compliance Deferred
The requirement for fire protection systems and equipment maintenance to comply with AS 1851 has been pushed back by 12 months. The enforcement date is now 13 February 2026. This delay allows property owners additional time to align their fire safety maintenance practices with regulatory expectations.
Accredited Practitioner Assessments Postponed
The requirement for fire safety certificates to be based solely on assessments conducted by accredited practitioners (fire safety) has been deferred by 24 months, moving the commencement date to 13 February 2027. This extension ensures adequate time for the establishment of a robust accreditation framework and for practitioners to meet certification standards.
Fire Safety Schedules and Compliance Actions
Fire Safety Schedules (FSS) can now incorporate work required due to compliance actions. This means that any rectifications mandated by Building Work Rectification Orders (BWROs) or other regulatory directives will be reflected in updated fire safety documentation.
Clarifications and Minor Amendments
The regulations also include minor amendments to correct drafting errors, remove inconsistencies, and clarify ambiguities to improve compliance clarity.
What This Means for Strata Owners and Committees
This extension provides a crucial opportunity for strata owners, committees, and property managers to:
Assess current fire safety compliance levels.
Plan and budget for necessary upgrades without immediate financial strain.
Avoid penalties by ensuring all fire safety measures are up to standard before the new deadlines.
Engage accredited practitioners ahead of the 2027 requirement to streamline compliance efforts.
Next Steps for Owners and Managers
With the deferral of these critical regulations, owners corporations should take proactive steps to ensure their buildings remain compliant. Now is the time to review fire safety schedules, arrange necessary inspections, and consult with fire safety professionals to address any existing issues. If you need expert guidance on strata management and ensuring your community meets all regulatory requirements. Contact Compass Strata today for a consultation and stay ahead of the game.
