We’re strengthening protections for homeowners with a new rectification order power that requires defects to be fixed – even after you’ve moved in.
The new power closes a significant gap in the Building and Plumbing Commission’s (BPC) enforcement framework. Previously, the BPC could only require defective work to be rectified before an occupancy permit was issued. Under the new framework, rectification orders can be issued during construction and for up to 10 years after practical completion of a project or the issue of an occupancy permit.
The BPC can issue rectification orders for defective, non-compliant or incomplete building work to builders and other persons who carried out the work and, in the case of apartment developments, to developers.
These changes will strengthen consumer protections and help ensure defects are rectified sooner.
Key features
- The power is retrospective, meaning building work completed before 1 July 2026 may be subject to a rectification order.
- For residential buildings up to three storeys, failure to comply with a rectification order may trigger the Home Warranty Scheme.
- The BPC will publish details of rectification orders online, providing greater transparency and helping consumers and industry make informed decisions when engaging, or working with, a builder.
Additional protection for apartment owners
Additional safeguards will apply to residential apartment buildings above four storeys.
Where a rectification order is issued for a serious defect during construction, the developer may be prevented from obtaining an occupancy permit or registering a plan of subdivision until the defect has been rectified.
This will help ensure buyers of off-the-plan apartments can move into homes that are free from serious defects and provide greater confidence in the quality of newly constructed apartment buildings.
For more information, visit Building and Plumbing Commission
Updated