For building owners in New Zealand, monthly owner inspections and an accurate compliance schedule are essential for meeting Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) requirements. Non-compliance can lead to safety risks, costly fines, or denied insurance claims. Argest helps you stay ahead of these obligations through structured inspections, documentation and expert-level compliance schedule management.
What are Owner Inspections and Compliance Schedules?
Owner inspections are monthly checks you must carry out to ensure specified systems in your building are working properly. These inspections support your building compliance schedule and are legally required under the Building Act.
A compliance schedule is a formal document issued by your local council that outlines the building’s specified systems and their inspection and maintenance requirements. It connects directly to your annual BWOF compliance.
A compliance schedule includes:
- A list of all specified systems (e.g. fire alarms, ventilation systems)
- Inspection, maintenance and reporting procedures for each system
- Frequency of checks (monthly, quarterly, annually)
- Roles and responsibilities (owner, IQP, etc.)
Learn more about compliance schedules from Building.govt.nz.
Why Monthly Owner Inspections Matter
Monthly owner building inspections are required by law to support your BWOF and protect the building’s occupants. These inspections are not optional – failing to perform or record them places you at risk of non-compliance.
Benefits of monthly inspections:
- Maintain building safety and occupant health
- Keep your BWOF compliance schedule intact
- Avoid penalties from your Territorial Authority
- Provide a documented record for insurers and auditors
- Support faster BWOF renewals with fewer delays
Argest conducts inspections on your behalf and ensures accurate reporting is available when it’s needed most.
Specified Systems That Require Owner Checks
Not all systems in a building are classified as specified systems, but those that come with mandatory inspection and maintenance requirements. Most systems require specialist providers or IQP to test and inspect. For Passive Fire Protection Specified Systems monthly “Owner” inspections are also required.
Here are the passive fire protection systems requiring “Owner’s Inspections
- 15/2 – Final Exits
- 15/3 – Fire Separations (doors and walls)
- 15/4 – Signs to facilitate emergency evacuations
- 15/5 – Smoke Separations (doors and walls)
These systems play a key role in emergency situations. Regular inspections help prevent failure during critical times and support overall BWOF compliance.
How Argest Manages Owner Inspections for You
Argest offers a full-service approach to compliance schedule management and owner inspections. We remove the administrative burden and ensure that nothing is missed.
Here’s what we do:
- Conduct monthly inspections of specified systems using trained IQPs
- Maintain and update your compliance schedule in line with Building Act requirements
- Liaise with your Territorial Authority (Council) on any issues or renewals
- Record everything digitally, accessible via our secure online platform
- Provide inspection reports, logs and system updates on request
Our team includes in-house Independent Qualified Persons (IQPs), so you don’t need to coordinate multiple compliance providers. Argest specialises in providing Nationwide services, eliminating the need to manage engagement with up to 67 possible Councils.
Benefits of Partnering with Argest
We’ve been helping New Zealand property owners maintain compliance for over two decades. From multi-site portfolios to body corporate facilities, we offer practical solutions that reduce risk and improve oversight.
Why property professionals choose Argest:
- In-house IQPs with proven experience
- Digital tools to track inspection records and schedules
- Passive Fire Systems expertise
- Transparent pricing and reporting
- Long-standing partnerships with commercial operators across New Zealand
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a compliance schedule in New Zealand?
A compliance schedule is a formal document that lists the specified systems in your building and outlines how they must be inspected, maintained and reported to meet Building Act requirements for the issue of a Building Warrant of fitness.
What are specified systems under a compliance schedule?
These systems contribute to the health and safety of occupants. Examples include fire alarms, HVAC, emergency lighting, lifts, passive fire protection systems, and backflow preventers.
How often must owner building inspections be carried out?
Monthly. These are required for all passive fire protection specified systems installed in your building as stated on your building’s compliance schedule.
Can Argest manage my owner inspections for BWOF compliance?
Yes. We provide full management of inspections, compliance schedules, and communication with authorities nationwide.
What happens if owner inspections are missed?
Missed inspections may result in failed BWOF renewal, notice to fix fees from the council, infringements (fines), increased liability, and increased risk as a PCBU under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
How does a compliance schedule relate to the BWOF process?
A building owner, or their agent, is responsible for ensuring the compliance schedule for their building is accurate and correct. The compliance schedule will provide the Council’s requirements for testing, maintenance, and inspections needed to confirm the correct operation of the specified systems you have installed in your building. This regime provides the foundation for your BWOF. Without all the requirements being met for all the specified systems, including accurate records and regular inspections, your annual BWOF cannot be issued.