Under reforms that commenced on 30 March 2026, a Northern Territory fidelity fund claim may be made within 90 days after you become aware of a defect or after a trigger event occurs, according to the NT Government’s fidelity fund certificate guidance. The expanded window is not retrospective: it applies only to fidelity certificates issued after 30 March 2026, as confirmed by the Department of Lands, Planning and Environment’s 26 March 2026 reforms update.
Figures checked 1 October 2026.
What does the 90-day claim window start from?
The reform wording identifies two possible starting points:
| Starting point | Lodgement period |
|---|---|
| Becoming aware of a defect | Within 90 days of that awareness |
| Occurrence of a trigger event | Within 90 days of the event occurring |
The public reform announcement does not explain how the dates interact in every case or define every event that may qualify as a trigger event. Do not assume that every builder problem or discovered defect qualifies. Confirm the applicable position with Fidelity Fund NT and the PDS for your certificate.
Can I claim simply because I have found a defect?
No. The 90-day period is a claim-lodgement timeframe, not confirmation that the claim is covered.
The NT Government states that a fidelity fund claim cannot be made if the builder has not:
- died;
- disappeared;
- become insolvent; or
- been deregistered.
The work must also fall within residential building cover. A fidelity fund certificate is required for prescribed residential building work, but this cover does not extend to commercial buildings, transportable buildings or government contracts.
What should I check before making an enquiry?
Work through these points before contacting Fidelity Fund NT:
- Certificate issue date: Determine whether it was issued after 30 March 2026.
- Relevant dates: Note when you became aware of the defect and when any alleged trigger event occurred.
- Builder’s status: Check whether the builder has died, disappeared, become insolvent or been deregistered.
- Type of work: Confirm that the project was residential building work within the certificate’s scope.
- Cost or loss: Identify what rectification, completion or transition costs you are seeking.
These are points to verify, not a substitute for the formal claims requirements. Ask Fidelity Fund NT what evidence and lodgement process apply to the certificate.
Does the 90-day reform apply to an older certificate?
No. The amendments do not apply retrospectively to fidelity certificates issued on or before 30 March 2026.
The cited NT Government guidance and reform announcement do not state the former claim-lodgement deadline for those earlier certificates. Do not assume that the previous deadline was also 90 days. Check the certificate and its PDS, then confirm the applicable period with Fidelity Fund NT.
How do I contact Fidelity Fund NT?
The NT Government identifies Fidelity Fund NT as the fund manager and the only provider in the Northern Territory.
| Contact method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | (08) 8922 9680 |
| info@fidelityfundnt.com.au | |
| Website | www.fidelityfundnt.com.au |
Contact the fund promptly if the certificate may have been issued after 30 March 2026 and the 90-day period may apply.
Is the claim window the same as the period of defect cover?
No. The 90-day rule concerns how long a claim may be made after awareness of a defect or the occurrence of a trigger event. It is separate from the periods during which certain costs may be covered.
The NT Government separately lists cover for rectifying:
- non-structural defects in the first year after completion; and
- structural defects for six years after completion.
The claim-lodgement period, defect-cover period and builder eligibility should therefore be checked separately against the certificate and its PDS.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the current regulator page and your certificate’s PDS before lodging a claim or responding to a possible deadline.
Sources
- Fidelity fund certificate — NT Government
- Lower compliance costs and stronger building protections — Department of Lands, Planning and Environment
FAQ
Does the 90-day period apply to a certificate issued before 30 March 2026?
No. The amendment applies only to fidelity certificates issued after 30 March 2026. Check the earlier certificate’s PDS for its claim period.
Can I make a fidelity fund claim if my builder is still trading?
The cited NT Government guidance says a fidelity fund claim cannot be made unless the builder has died, disappeared, become insolvent or been deregistered.
What information should I have ready when contacting Fidelity Fund NT?
Have the certificate issue date, relevant defect or event dates, builder’s status, project scope and details of the claimed costs ready. Ask Fidelity Fund NT which evidence its current process requires.
Who can confirm the exact lodgement deadline and process?
Contact Fidelity Fund NT and check the regulator’s current guidance and the certificate’s PDS. The public reform summary does not resolve every question about how the two 90-day starting points interact.