A simple comparison to understand the new reforms (link to the strata law changes).
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Before 1 April 2026 | From 1 April 2026 |
| The original owner must prepare an inital maintenance schedule (IMS). | Same requirement – the original owner must still prepare the IMS. |
| No prescribed format for the IMS. | A new mandatory standard form must be used for all IMS documents. |
| IMS must be provided to the owners corporation at least 14 days before the first AGM. | Same timing requiriments – IMS must still be delivered 14 days before the first AGM. |
| No requirement for independent review or certification. | Multi-storey schemes must engage an independent surveyor to review and certify the IMS. |
| Levy estimates are prepared solely by the original owner and do not necessarily correlate to the IMS. | For multi-storey schemes, initial levy estimates must also be reviewed and certified by an independent surveyor and must take into consideration cost intentions into the IMS. |
| Evidence of compliance is not required. | The original owner must provided written evidence confirming the IMS uses the standard form, levy estimates meet expected expenditure, and the certifier is independent. |
| Independence of the preparer is not regulated. | The certifying surveyor must be independent and must be a certified Quantity Surveyor (AIQS) or Chartered Quantity Surveyor (RICS). |
| IMS quality and detail vary widely between schemes. | Standardisation aims to improve consistency, clarity, and transparency across all new strata schemes. |
Overall, the new IMS standard form brings a much higher level of structure, clarity, and accountability to the handover process for new strata schemes. By requiring a detailed breakdown of building elements, clear maintanence requirements, first-year cost expectations, and alignment with levy estimates, the reforms ensure owners corportations receive a transparent and reliable roadmap for early maintanence.
The standardised format also supports independent certification, reduces inconsistencies between developments, and helps developers deliver a more professional, compliant, and dispute-resistant set of documents for day one.