Owning or managing a building comes with a critical set of responsibilities, particularly when it comes to maintaining the safety systems that protect occupants. One of the most important obligations is ensuring you meet your compliance schedule and renew your Building Warrant of Fitness (BWoF) annually. Fire Security Services (FSS) are experts in helping building owners and managers across New Zealand meet these legal requirements efficiently and reliably.
What is a Compliance Schedule?
A compliance schedule is a document issued by the local council that lists all the specified systems within a building – such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and emergency lighting – and outlines the inspection, maintenance, and reporting procedures needed to keep them fully operational.
If your building is anything other than a single residential dwelling and contains any of the following systems or features, a compliance schedule and an annual BWoF are mandatory:
• Automatic fire suppression systems (e.g., sprinklers)
• Emergency warning systems for fire or other dangers
• Electromagnetic or automatic doors or windows
• Emergency lighting systems
• Escape route pressurisation systems
• Fire service riser mains
• Automatic backflow preventers connected to potable water supplies
• Lifts, escalators, or travelators
• Mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning systems
• Building maintenance units for access to walls
• Laboratory fume cupboards
• Assistive listening systems (e.g., audio loops)
• Smoke control systems
• Emergency power systems relating to safety features
Any features forming part of a fire escape route incorporating the above systems
When applying for building consent – whether for a new build or for modifications to an existing building – the proposed compliance schedule must detail the design features of the specified systems and the procedures for ongoing inspection, maintenance, and reporting.
Your Responsibilities as a Building Owner
Building owners must ensure the continued effective operation of all specified systems outlined in the compliance schedule. They must also:
• Arrange regular inspections and maintenance
• Obtain Form 12A certificates from Independent Qualified Persons (IQPs) for each specified system
• Sign and submit the annual Building Warrant of Fitness (BWoF) to the council
• Publicly display the current BWoF in the building
Failing to comply not only risks legal penalties but also compromises the safety of those who live, work, or visit your property.
How Fire Security Services Can Help
Fire Security Services offer comprehensive support for Building Warrant of Fitness requirements across Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, Wellington, and throughout many other parts of the North and South Islands. We specialise in ensuring your specified systems are properly maintained, inspected, and documented as required by your compliance schedule.
We work with body corporates, property managers, and private building owners to provide:
• Thorough inspection and maintenance of all specified systems
• Issuance of Form 12A certificates from trusted IQPs
• Timely preparation and submission of your Building Warrant of Fitness
• Ongoing reporting and record-keeping for council requirements
By partnering with FSS, you gain peace of mind knowing your building's essential safety systems are fully compliant, giving confidence to your occupants, customers, and visitors.
Why Compliance Matters
Maintaining an up-to-date compliance schedule and BWoF isn’t just about ticking boxes; it is about protecting lives and property. A current BWoF assures that critical systems have been tested, maintained, and are ready to perform in the event of an emergency.
Fire Security Services ensure you meet all requirements efficiently and on schedule, so you can focus on running your property without the stress of compliance issues.
Stay Safe, Stay Compliant
Let Fire Security Services take the hassle out of compliance. We make sure your compliance schedule is met, your specified systems are maintained, and your Building Warrant of Fitness is renewed on time, every time.
Contact Fire Security Services today and ensure your building remains safe, compliant, and protected for years to come.