Time is running out to register for the NSW Government initiative targeting serious defects in recently completed and occupied residential apartment buildings.

More than 150 buildings have already registered with Project Intervene, which supports owners corporations throughout the process of getting serious defects fixed in common property areas of eligible buildings, at no cost to the owners corporation and without the need for litigation.

It examines serious defects in the common property which relate to waterproofing, fire safety systems, structural systems and building services.

It is estimated owners corporations spend about $331,829 per building attempting to resolve serious defects.

Research released in 2021 shows 39 per cent of buildings had one or more serious defects in the common property, and more than 50 per cent remain unresolved.

Once accepted into the program, Project Intervene can facilitate agreement on the serious defect list, ensure compliance, and ensure on time completion. It is an alternative to litigation which takes years and involves steep legal and expert fees often with little to no result on rectification of the defects.  

It is for residential apartment buildings of four storeys or more where an occupation certificate was issued within the previous ten years and there is an active developer to respond to remediation responsibilities. Check your eligibility and register before the 30 November 2023 here: www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/building-commissioner/project-intervene/applying-for-project-intervene

After 30 November 2023, the Building Commission will exercise powers under the Residential Apartment Buildings (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Act 2020 through the standard complaint handling process.

Quotes attributable to Building Commissioner David Chandler

"Serious defects within the common property create a significant financial and emotional toll, and owners corporations are often left with years of expensive litigation without any rectification of the defects.

"From facilitating agreements on the list of serious defects to ensuring the remediation work is compliant and delivered on time, Project Intervene provides support to owners corporations and developers.

"I would encourage owners corporations wanting to register for Project Intervene to act now as the 30 November 2023 deadline is fast approaching".