The Building Act 1993 sets a time limit of 10 years from the date of the Occupancy Permit or final inspection for bringing legal proceedings for loss or damage arising from defective building work (except for injury or death, which is covered by separate legislation). Other disputes must usually be raised in legal proceedings within six years from the date of the breach.
Under the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995, builders must give various warranties, including that: work is carried out in a proper manner; materials used are good and suitable; works are legally compliant; works are completed to enable the agreed end purpose.
With respect to residential buildings (including multi-storey residential buildings), a lot or building owner is entitled to rely on the standard domestic building warranties when addressing defects. However, in commercial or industrial buildings, a lot owner, building owner or owners corporation cannot rely on the standard building warranties and they must instead ensure that they have contractual protections for defective works either in terms of warranties from the Vendor who sold the building or lot; or warranties from the builder which can be passed on to subsequent owners.

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