We hope the restrictions for DDA compliance in Perth aren’t causing you too much stress! You’re not alone.
Landlords and property managers across Western Australia are currently facing a brave new world of rules and regulations as sweeping changes come into force this year – and on some fronts, at least, people are scrambling to keep up.
The Disability Discrimination Act extends beyond mere bureaucratic compliance. Now it’s a serious consideration that may act as a difference maker for your commercial property’s accessibility—and, potentially, your legal footing.
However, interestingly, the 2024 revisions have, in some cases, made compliance easier while imposing stricter requirements in others.
The Real Cost of Getting DDA Compliance Wrong
So let’s begin with the obvious – the face of Perth’s commercial property market is changing rapidly. New builds are popping up across the CBD and outlying areas; meanwhile, many older buildings are undergoing large-scale modifications. What many property owners do not appreciate is that relatively minor renovations may be enough to prompt a compliance check under the new regulations.
The Australian Human Rights Commission is focusing more on filing cases involving accessibility complaints. In fact, they’ve seen over 40% more disability-related complaints in the past 18 months than in the years prior. The majority of these concern the lack of lifts in commercial buildings—something that surely could have been planned.
Currently, navigating these regulations can be a bit challenging. The 2024 changes are not limited to new installations. The current commercial lift compliance WA regulations have been extended to buildings that previously fell into a grey area in terms of being regulated and complied with. Your building likely falls under this regulation if it attracts the public, whether it’s an office complex, a retail space, or a mixed-use development.
The Australian Human Rights Commission has provided guidance on compliant access to premises. This makes the point that compliance is not an option – it is a legislated requirement that applies to all new and existing buildings engaged in renovations and modifications.
What’s Actually Changed in 2024?
The most significant change is for the platform lift requirements. In the past, smaller commercial buildings could sometimes get by with a bottom-level type of lift installation. Not anymore. The new regulations also prescribe space standards for cabins, minimum widths for door openings and requirements for the easier positioning of control panels for wheelchair users.
But there’s an upside here. In some cases, the new regulations make approvals for lifts that provide disability access in Perth much easier. Buildings that install compliant systems ubiquitously from approved manufacturers will be able to fast-track their certification—a process that previously took months. Contemporary wheelchair platform lifts are engineered from the outset to provide these new standards.
Another significant change is in maintenance plans. As part of their routine maintenance, commercial lifts now need to be tested for accessibility more regularly. This is not all adverse news — in fact, it is enabling building owners to identify and rectify problems before they escalate into expensive repairs.
The Technical Stuff (Made Simple)
Here’s what property owners need to know about the 2024 updates:
- Door entrances: At least 850 mm (where new); up to 800 mm doors can be upgraded.
- Capacity: Min 630 kg (8 people) with wheelchair operation to be smooth
- Control: Buttons at 900-1100 mm above the floor with a non-zip opening/keep indicator.
These may feel like small details, but they mean the difference between fair compliance and potential discrimination claims.
Common Pitfalls for Perth Property Owners
Here are the three biggest mistakes we’re seeing across Perth’s commercial property sector:
- Insurance assumptions: Most policies explicitly exclude discrimination claims – compliance failures aren’t covered.
- Grandfathering misconceptions: Any significant modifications trigger full compliance reviews, even flooring changes.
- Contractor oversights: Using contractors who don’t understand current DDA requirements can worsen your compliance situation.
That third point is particularly costly. Some Perth property managers learnt these lessons the hard way this year, facing unexpected legal bills that could’ve been easily avoided.
Real Solutions That Actually Work
With commercially available top-rated lifting systems from well-established manufacturers, compliance becomes much easier. Companies like Koyo Elevators and Tresa – their products are available through local specialists – design their systems with DDA in mind from day one.
Modern buildings, finding previous-style elevator shafts impractical, are increasingly adopting platform lifts. We can install these systems in locations previously considered unsuitable for lift access. Modern platform lifts have a massive carrying capacity which meets all necessary requirements for accessibility too.
Maintenance is crucial but often underestimated. Regular service isn’t simply a matter of mechanical reliability these days. It is also about maintaining compliance with certification requirements. Professional lift maintenance providers understand the junction of technical performance and accessibility demands.
The Cost Reality Check
Let’s tell it like it is. New commercial lift installations are usually between $45,000 and $85,000. But that price doesn’t seem like much at all when you consider the alternative – if an employee brings discrimination charges and wins, you can easily wind up facing settlements that top $100,000 or more plus legal expenses.
For most types of commercial equipment, we find that rather than installing brand new systems, it is much more economical to simply fix what is already there. Conversion costs of about $15,000 to $25,000 for door wideners, retrofitting control panels and fitting in raised platforms, and improvements versus new installations are nothing compared with the cost of buying machines all over again.
Platform lifts provide another option for buildings where the traditional passenger lift will not work. These systems begin at about $25,000 for basic installations and can satisfy most commercial accessibility requirements without significant structural modification.
Planning for the Future
Smart property owners look beyond the basics. In retail settings, positioning a tenancy near the main entrance can greatly increase visibility and overall performance. Well-designed spaces that accommodate wheelchairs or scooters often attract higher-quality tenants and command stronger rental returns.
Agencies refine and expand on these details to ensure every stakeholder feels supported, which is why DDA-compliant properties are becoming highly valuable.
Technology is also advancing rapidly. When we installed the early lift systems at Avondale only a few years ago, many of today’s energy-saving features seemed impossible. Now, modern lifts come equipped with next-generation capabilities, including smartphone connectivity, predictive maintenance alerts, and a wide range of sensor-driven and software-based functions. These innovations ensure your lift investment meets today’s standards while staying prepared for future needs.
Getting Professional Help (And Why It Matters)
It is crucial to select the right expert. Suppliers of lifts are very knowledgeable. They know the requirements of local councils in detail. They also have a comprehensive understanding of building codes and the Disability Discrimination Act. These consultants have the capacity to assess your building.
They will then recommend suitable solutions and provide you with guidelines for correct registration, as well as brick documentation to satisfy local council requirements.
In addition to industrial and agricultural doors, the system can also include options for whisper-quiet movement. The warranties on elevators by other famous manufacturers—Dalloss, Koyo and Tresa—are better. Their parts are more easily obtainable, and they offer ongoing technical support too. And a spurious substitute can cause problems for years to come.
Also included with the valuable documentation is a professional installation and servicing team. Compliance is not only for individuals with a membership card; it serves as assurance that you have fulfilled the necessary requirements in case questions arise in the future.
Making Compliance Work for Your Building
Here’s how to approach compliance strategically:
First, a professional accessibility audit
Knowing precisely what your building needs saves you from costly errors; it will also meet the actual requirements rather than guesswork. A good audit should reveal obvious problems, like narrow doorways, as well as less obvious ones, like poor lighting in elevators or lack of tactile indicators. The audits themselves cost $2,000 to $4,000 but avoid tens of thousands in mistakes and legal woes.
Phased improvements for tight budgets
Many buildings end up reaching a sort of minimum standard with tweaks along the way and gradually improve systems when they can afford it. Begin with basic lift changes and accessible entrances, and latterly upgrade signage and emergency communication systems. This places costs across multiple budget cycles, but it keeps the momentum of compliance moving.
Please ensure that everything is documented
Keep installation certificates, maintenance records, and compliance assessments organised and accessible. Create a compliance file with original building permits, lift certifications, contractor qualifications, and regular inspection reports.
Comprehensive documentation can play a crucial role in resolving disability access complaints quickly and avoiding lengthy legal proceedings. Use digital storage with cloud backup – paper records disappear when you need them most.
Moving Forward confidently.
DDA compliance doesn’t have to be scary. The 2024 changes have the welcome effect of removing a lot of the grey areas that have previously created confusion. Most buildings can achieve it easily and affordably with proper direction and the right tools.
The key, of course, is to start sooner rather than later. Regulatory mandates are not getting any softer, and waiting it out often results in costlier solutions. Qualified lift engineers will be able to visit you, clarify what your choices are and propose a cost-effective solution that complies with regulations and is practical for use.
Perth’s property market consistently rewards investment in accessibility. Commercial and industrial assets that are designed with inclusive, fully compliant access features hold greater long-term value than those that treat DDA requirements as an obligation rather than an opportunity.
Remember: compliance doesn’t mean you did it; it should mean you just started. The most successful commercial spaces exceed minimum standards to create a truly welcoming environment for all occupants. That’s not only good business sense; it’s also part of what’s right.
Need help with DDA compliance for your Perth commercial property? Contact Alto Lift on 0416 199 267 for a no-obligation consultation about lift solutions that meet 2024 requirements and exceed expectations.