New Form 26 and inspection record procedures for building surveyors
Victoria has introduced new Form 26 requirements and mandatory lodgement of inspection records with councils for building surveyors, effective 1 September 2026.
What are the new Form 26 and inspection record rules for building surveyors in Victoria?
Builders and building surveyors in VIC must comply with new inspection record lodgement procedures, adding administrative steps to project sign-offs.
Key takeaways
- Victoria's new Form 26 rules for building surveyors took effect on 1 September 2026.
- Building surveyors must now lodge inspection records directly with local councils.
- Builders should confirm their surveyor is using the updated forms to avoid compliance issues.
Related
South Yarra apartment owners urge government commitments over building defects
South Yarra Square residents at 100 Commercial Road are asking Prahran seat candidates to commit to helping owners with legacy building defects. The article excerpt gives no details on the defects or the costs involved.
Why it matters: Builders and trades that work on apartment construction and rectification may see more scrutiny of defects and possibly new government support or rules. Defect claims could mean more rectification work and liability exposure.
WA's Residential Design Codes review announced
The WA Government has opened public comment on its review of the state's Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) from Friday 23 October 2026. The review follows extensive industry consultation.
Why it matters: Builders, carpenters and other residential trades in WA may face changes to design and approval rules that affect what they can build and how. Tradies can have a say during the public comment period.
Draft State Planning Policy 2026
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has provided feedback on the Draft State Planning Policy 2026 and its discussion papers on Natural Hazards and the Future of Assessment Benchmarks. The article gives no detail on what the draft policy or HIA's feedback contains.
Why it matters: Planning policy changes on natural hazards and assessment benchmarks could affect builders and other residential trades through approval requirements and where and how homes can be built. Details are not yet clear.