Lower compliance costs and stronger building protections
Amendments to the following regulations will commence on 30 March 2026 to reduce compliance costs, improve consumer protections, and strengthen the operation of fidelity fund schemes:
- Building (RBI and Fidelity Fund Schemes) Regulations 2012
- Building Regulations 1993
- Building (Resolution of Residential Building Works Disputes) Regulations 2012
These reforms close gaps that currently prevent some consumers from accessing funds when building or renovating their home and improve the overall operation of fidelity fund schemes.
These changes support other legislative amendments to the Building Act 1993 and associated regulations which commenced on 6 December 2025. They also strengthen the oversight and governance of fidelity fund schemes.
This was done to strengthen industry and homeowner’s confidence in the protections provided by Fidelity Fund NT and to ensure that the fund is delivering outcomes for Territorians. The changes include:
- clarification of the minister’s approval of appointment of trustees and the process of approval of, including revocation of approval
- ministerial power to appoint a minister’s observer
- minister’s ability to request information relevant to the broader operation of the fund and compliance with the Act and Regulations.
What are the changes
The amendments to the regulations include:
- increased timeframe to cover non-completion of work to recognise any approved extension to a building permit
- increased timeframe for making a claim to allow for claims to be made within 90 days of either becoming aware of a defect or a trigger event occurring
- increased the minimum prescribed value that triggers requirement for a fidelity certificate from $12,000 to $25,000
- strengthened eligibility criteria by specifying that trustees must not engage in any activity that could bring either the individual or scheme into disrepute
- provide more clearly for options available to the Minister should trustees seek approval to wind up an approved scheme
- require trustees to establish and make available procedures for dealing with complaints and
- correct reference to, and provide for, the separate appointment of the Commissioner of Residential Building Disputes.
For more information, go to the NT Government website.
Important information
The amendments to regulations are not being applied retrospectively and will only apply to fidelity certificates issued after 30 March 2026.
Increasing the minimum value means low-risk construction projects such as standalone carports and verandahs are not captured by higher construction costs and implements the Approvals Fast-Track Taskforce - recommendation 1B.
These are important changes that will:
- reduce cost to homeowners and red tape for building practitioners undertaking smaller builds
- reduce gaps that prevent people accessing funds if things go wrong with building or renovating their home
- increase industry confidence in the operation of Fidelity Fund NT.
