Building Compliance Resources & FAQs
Legislation
Building Act 2004
Specified systems regulations
Fire and Emergency New Zealand Fire Safety Evacuation Procedures and Evacuation Schemes Regulations 2018
MBIE Guidance
Compliance Schedule Handbook
Work that does not need consent
BWOF Owners guidance
Our Tools and Guidance
BWOF Owner Integrated Checking Procedure V1 2025
Commercial Kitchen Hood Exhaust IQP Checks and Maintenance Guidelines
Owners checks for Autodoors and Access Control Doors
Advice on Autogates
What is a crowd use space that needs daily checks?
Do Single Toilet Fans appear on SS9 checks
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for the BWOF?
Legally, the building owner is responsible for the BWOF. Tasks can be delegated to a tenant or others, but under the Building Act the responsibility always sits with the owner.
Who can change a compliance schedule?
- The council (with notification)
- The owner (via Form 11, typically with advice)
- A tenant (via Form 11, with the owner’s permission and advice)
- An IQP (via Form 11, with the owner’s permission)
Does the IQP have to attend site?
Not always. The Building Act 2004 allows IQPs to “supervise either directly or indirectly.” In practice, many systems require technicians or specialist teams (e.g. sprinkler systems), with the IQP overseeing the process. The most important thing is you need an IQP to sign a form 12A at the end of the period saying this has been done.
