New research into fire safety maintenance in apartment buildings has uncovered significant gaps in compliance across New South Wales and Victoria, raising concerns about the reliability of critical safety systems in high-density residential properties.
The study, conducted by Dr Stephen Scimonello, Academic and Accreditation Policy Manager at the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS), forms part of his PhD examining compliance with fire and life safety maintenance requirements in multi-storey apartment buildings across the two states.
Drawing on data obtained from local government inspection programs, the research reveals that only about 36 per cent of apartment buildings inspected in New South Wales were found to be fully compliant with mandated fire safety maintenance standards.
Comparable data from Victorian councils points to similarly uneven outcomes.
While some municipalities reported strong adherence to maintenance schedules and documentation standards, others identified recurring deficiencies in testing, record-keeping, and the operational condition of key fire protection systems.
The findings suggest that a significant proportion of apartment buildings may not be meeting the full scope of regulatory obligations, potentially exposing residents to unnecessary risk during emergencies.
The research highlights persistent challenges faced by building owners, managers, and regulatory agencies in maintaining compliance over the lifespan of complex residential structures.
Routine safety measures, including the inspection and servicing of alarms, sprinkler systems, fire doors, and emergency lighting, are legally required to ensure systems remain functional and responsive in the event of a fire.
Non-compliance can arise from inconsistent maintenance schedules, limited technical oversight, or gaps in how responsibilities are shared among strata managers, building owners, and contractors.
Australia’s growing population of apartment dwellers magnifies the significance of these findings.
More than 2.6 million Australians now live in multi-unit residences, and the trend toward higher-density housing continues to accelerate in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.
As apartment developments increase in scale and complexity, maintaining effective fire safety systems becomes both a logistical and regulatory challenge.
Industry observers note that the findings align with broader compliance pressures within the construction and property sectors.
Regulatory reforms following high-profile fire safety incidents, including those involving combustible cladding, have driven greater scrutiny of how safety systems are designed, certified, and maintained.
However, the transition from regulatory design compliance at project completion to consistent operational maintenance over decades remains a weak link in the overall safety chain.
Dr Scimonello’s analysis underscores the need for improved enforcement mechanisms and clearer accountability frameworks to ensure ongoing compliance with maintenance standards.
He argues that sustained attention from regulators, technical professionals, and building owners is essential to prevent small lapses from developing into systemic failures.
As urban populations continue to rise, the report reinforces the importance of proactive maintenance, transparent reporting, and coordinated oversight.
Ensuring that every apartment building meets its fire safety obligations is not simply a regulatory requirement but a life safety imperative for Australia’s growing urban communities.
