Perth Lift Inspection Bylaws for Flats

Housing and Building Standards Western Australia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia building owners and strata managers must understand lift inspection responsibilities for multi‑unit residential buildings. This guide explains who enforces lift safety, routine inspection expectations, common compliance issues for flats, and practical steps to arrange inspections and respond to notices in Perth.

Overview

Lift safety in Western Australia is administered through the state Building and Energy regulator; routine maintenance, periodic inspections and safety documentation are required to manage mechanical and passenger risks in multi‑unit dwellings. For official technical guidance and regulator contact details see the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety guidance on lifts and escalators (see regulator guidance)[1].

What applies to flats (strata/shared lifts)

  • Strata/owners corporation responsibilities: ensure regular maintenance, record keeping and access for inspections.
  • Required documentation: service logbooks, maintenance contracts and any certificates of periodic inspection where issued.
  • Maintenance: engage licensed lift technicians for repairs and statutory checks.
Keep a dated maintenance log and copies of all certificates to show compliance.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibility for lift safety and related building energy rules sits with the state regulator (Building and Energy within the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety). Local councils (including the City of Perth) may issue notices where local building approvals or permits intersect with lift works; the primary regulator sets technical and safety requirements.

  • Enforcer: Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, Building and Energy unit.
  • Inspection pathways: regulator inspections following complaints or incident reports; building owners and strata managers should provide access on request.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non‑monetary sanctions: compliance orders, prohibition notices, rectification directions and prosecution or court action are possible under building and safety laws.
  • Appeals/review: engage the regulator’s review process and seek any statutory appeal routes in the relevant building legislation; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: the regulator may consider permits, emergency repairs and bona fide maintenance; where the law refers to defences or exemptions, those are set out in the controlling statutes or regulations.
If you receive a compliance notice act promptly and obtain professional advice to avoid escalation.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Missed periodic inspection or lapsed service contract — may lead to rectification orders or prohibition of use.
  • Poor record keeping — can trigger fines or directions to produce documentation.
  • Unlicensed repairs or unsafe modifications — can result in prohibition notices and enforcement action.

Applications & Forms

The regulator’s public guidance describes duties and inspection expectations but does not publish a single standard lift inspection form on that page; application names, certificate forms and fees are not specified on the cited page. Contact the Building and Energy unit for application forms or to confirm any required certificates.

Document every inspection and keep originals with strata records for at least the period recommended by your maintenance provider.

How to arrange a lift inspection

  • Contact your lift maintenance contractor to schedule the periodic safety inspection.
  • Request written inspection findings and any certificates or rectification notices.
  • Pay or arrange payment through the owners corporation as required by your maintenance contract.
  • If you suspect non‑compliance, report to the Building and Energy regulator and provide copies of records when asked.

FAQ

Who enforces lift safety in Perth?
The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (Building and Energy) is the primary regulator for lift safety in Western Australia.
Are there fixed fines for missed inspections?
Fixed fine amounts are not specified on the regulator guidance page; contact the regulator for enforcement details.
Do strata managers need to keep records?
Yes, strata managers and owners corporations should keep service logs, inspection reports and certificates to demonstrate compliance.

How-To

  1. Check your maintenance contract to confirm inspection frequency.
  2. Book a licensed lift technician to perform the inspection and request a written report.
  3. Retain the report and any certificate in strata records and act on rectification items.
  4. If unsafe conditions or non‑compliance persist, report to the Building and Energy regulator.

Key Takeaways

  • Lift safety for flats is primarily regulated by the state Building and Energy regulator.
  • Keep clear, dated maintenance records and certificates to prove compliance.
  • Report suspected non‑compliance promptly to the regulator to avoid escalation.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety - Lifts and escalators

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