🔥 New Fire Safety Laws in NSW: What Strata Owners Need to Know

At AJP Management, our priority is keeping strata buildings safe and compliant—especially when it comes to fire-rated plasterboard systems, which play a vital role in containing fire and protecting lives.

With new NSW fire safety laws being rolled out, it’s more important than ever that building owners and strata committees understand their responsibilities. These reforms are part of a wider effort to avoid disasters like the Grenfell Tower fire, by improving safety standards across Australia.

Here’s what the changes mean—and how we can help.

🧱 What’s Changing – The Basics

The NSW Government has introduced new rules under the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021, which affect Class 2 buildings (multi-unit residential buildings).

Key changes include:

✅ Stricter Fire Safety Standards (Effective 13 Feb 2026)

All fire safety systems—including fire-rated walls, ceilings, doors, sprinklers, and smoke alarms—must now comply with Australian Standard AS 1851-2012.

That means:

• Routine servicing and maintenance

• More frequent testing

• Detailed onsite record keeping

• Better inspections during Annual Fire Safety Statements (AFSS)

  
  

At AJP Management, we ensure that fire-rated plasterboard systems meet these requirements by working closely with accredited fire safety providers like Winfire. Together, we confirm the walls and barriers in your building meet the required FRL (Fire Resistance Level) for compliance and safety.

👷‍♂️ Accredited Practitioners Only

Only qualified FPAS-accredited fire safety assessors can inspect and sign off on your systems now. This raises the standard across the board and helps avoid low-quality or rushed assessments.

We coordinate directly with these experts on your behalf to ensure your building’s plasterboard and passive fire systems are properly certified.

📄 Fire Safety Certificates (By 13 Feb 2027)

For Class 2, 3 and 9c buildings, owners must provide a fire safety certificate confirming all fire systems meet current building codes. These certificates are now a legal requirement under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020.

🚒 Consultation with Fire & Rescue NSW

If your building uses non-standard fire designs (like alternative layouts or fire system arrangements), you’ll now need to consult Fire & Rescue NSW before approval. This ensures that even creative or complex building designs remain safe.

📑 Standardised Fire Safety Schedules (Since August 2023)

Fire safety documentation now needs to follow a government-issued template, helping improve consistency across buildings.

🧯 Combustible Cladding Regulations

If your building has two or more storeys, you must check for combustible (flammable) cladding and take steps to remove it if necessary. Older strata buildings are especially likely to be affected.

🏢 What Strata Committees Should Do Now

These rules will take full effect over the next couple of years—but preparation should begin now:

• Assess your fire-rated systems. Are your walls, ceilings, doors, and seals up to the correct FRL?

• Work with accredited experts. We partner with fire specialists like Winfire to confirm your systems meet current standards.

• Plan ahead financially. Some buildings may need upgrades or replacements—especially if they still use non-compliant materials.

• Keep your records in order. Make sure all fire safety paperwork (Fire Safety Schedules, AFSS, etc.) is up to date.

• Educate residents. It’s important that occupants understand evacuation procedures and why these safety measures matter.

  
  

⚠️ Not following the new rules can lead to major fines, insurance issues, or legal action.In one NSW case, a strata scheme was fined $15,000 for not keeping its fire systems maintained.

🛠 How AJP Management Can Help

We specialise in fire-rated plasterboard systems—a key part of any compliant fire barrier. Our team works alongside accredited fire consultants to:

• Inspect and certify walls, ceilings, and fire compartments

• Identify areas needing upgrades or repairs

• Coordinate with FPAS-accredited practitioners

• Manage the documentation and deadlines for your strata scheme

We help strata committees stay ahead of the regulations, so there are no costly surprises.

💬 Want Help Navigating the New Rules?

If you're unsure where to start, we’re here to help. Contact AJP Management to find out how we can support your building through the fire safety compliance process.

Sources: NSW Fair Trading, Fire and Rescue NSW, Building Code of Australia, Strata Community Association (NSW)