Compliance Schedule

A compliance schedule is issued by the territorial authority (council) for buildings that have specified systems — safety and operational systems that require regular inspection and maintenance. The schedule lists every specified system in the building (fire alarms, sprinklers, emergency lighting, lifts, ventilation, etc.) and sets out the performance standards, inspection frequencies, and maintenance requirements for each.

The building owner is legally responsible for ensuring all systems on the compliance schedule are inspected and maintained as required. An independently qualified person (IQP) must carry out the inspections and provide written reports. These reports form the basis for issuing the annual Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF).

Compliance schedules are most common in commercial buildings and multi-unit residential developments (apartments and larger townhouse complexes). They're an important indicator of building safety and management quality.

The compliance schedule tells you what safety systems the building relies on and what maintenance is required. A well-maintained compliance schedule means the building's safety systems are functional and inspected. A poorly managed one — with missed inspections, deferred maintenance, or lapsed BWOFs — is a red flag.

When buying a unit in a building with a compliance schedule, request copies of recent IQP reports and the current BWOF. Check whether any systems need repair or replacement, as these costs will likely be shared among owners.

The compliance schedule is held by the council and should be available from the body corporate or building manager. Your lawyer can request a copy from the council as part of due diligence. Check the BWOF is current and displayed in the building. Review IQP reports for each specified system to understand their condition.