From today, new fire safety requirements become mandatory for strata buildings across NSW under the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021. These changes are important for all strata committees, owners corporations and building managers to understand and implement.
The Australian Standard AS 1851-2012 Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment is now the mandatory benchmark for the inspection, testing and maintenance of essential fire safety measures.
From 13 February 2026:
- All Class 1b and Class 2 to Class 9 NSW buildings - new and existing - must ensure essential fire safety systems listed in a building’s Fire Safety Schedule be inspected and tested in accordance with AS 1851-2012. This applies to both new and existing buildings.
- This applies to fire alarms, sprinklers, hydrants, extinguishers and pumps where they are included as essential measures.
Who is responsible?
Building Owners - including strata committees and owners corporations - are responsible for ensuring compliance. This means:
- Engaging qualified and appropriately licensed fire safety practitioners or tradespeople to carry out inspections and testing.
- Ensuring all essential fire safety systems are maintained and tested to the frequency and procedures set out in AS 1851-2012.
- Maintaining and keeping records of inspections and testing for at least seven years - and making these available for audit or inspection by regulators.
What Strata Managers & Committees should do
- Review your building’s Fire Safety Schedule and confirm which essential fire safety measures are in place.
- Check or update maintenance contracts in accordance with AS 1851-2012.
- Confirm your service providers meet licensing and competency requirements.
- Ensure compliance records are up to date.
- Organise regular compliance checks and logbook updates (monthly, six-monthly, annually, etc., as specified in AS 1851-2012).
These changes strengthen fire safety standards across NSW strata schemes and help protect life and property.
If you’d like further support in understanding how these changes impact your specific building, or if you need guidance on reviewing your fire safety procedures and contracts, you can FIND OUT MORE HERE