Building owners with earthquake-prone buildings on their hands have been granted additional time to complete strengthening work, following the passage of the Building (Earthquake-prone Building Deadlines and Other Matters) Amendment Act, which came into effect on 26 November 2024.
The legislation extends remediation deadlines by four years for most affected buildings and makes several other changes to the earthquake-prone building framework — including strengthening the Building Warrant of Fitness scheme and introducing minor technical amendments to improve how the system operates in practice.
Who Gets the Extension
The extension applies to buildings whose deadlines for completing earthquake-strengthening work would otherwise have fallen within the extension period. It does not apply universally — buildings in high seismic risk areas and those classified as priority buildings (such as hospitals, emergency services facilities, and buildings that could block a key transport route) are subject to tighter timeframes and may not benefit from the full extension.
Owners of affected buildings should contact their local council to confirm their specific deadline and whether the extension applies to their property. The council holds the records of earthquake-prone building notices and can advise on the updated requirements.
Why the Extension Was Granted
The government’s decision to extend deadlines reflects practical realities: the cost of earthquake strengthening has increased substantially since the original deadlines were set, and capacity constraints in the engineering and construction sector mean some owners simply cannot get work done in time even when they want to.
For commercial building owners in particular, the economic challenge is significant. Strengthening an older commercial building can cost millions of dollars, and the return on that investment is not always obvious in a market where rental yields are under pressure. The extension gives owners more time to plan and fund the work — but it does not change the fundamental obligation to bring their buildings up to code.
Building Warrant of Fitness Changes
The amendment also strengthens the Building Warrant of Fitness scheme, which provides ongoing assurance that specified systems in buildings — such as fire systems, lifts, and emergency lighting — are being maintained. The changes aim to improve the rigour and consistency of warrant of fitness inspections across the country.
For building managers and compliance professionals, these changes are worth reviewing in detail. Updated requirements may affect inspection schedules, the qualifications required of inspection contractors, and the documentation required for ongoing compliance.