On the NT Government’s current fidelity fund certificate guidance, figures checked 1 October 2026, garden sheds and fences do not need a fidelity fund certificate. A bathroom renovation does not need one when completed on its own, but that exception does not apply if it is completed with other work on a building that requires a certificate. The guidance records that reforms commenced on 30 March 2026 and increased the minimum prescribed value from $12,000 to $25,000.
Do garden sheds and fences fall outside the certificate requirement?
The NT Government gives the following direct answers:
| Work | Stated fidelity fund certificate position |
|---|---|
| Garden shed | Not needed |
| Fence | Not needed |
| Bathroom renovation completed on its own | Not needed |
| Bathroom renovation completed with other work on a building that requires a certificate | The standalone bathroom exception does not apply |
These answers address fidelity fund certificates only. They do not decide whether another building approval, contract requirement or insurance policy applies to the work.
When does the bathroom renovation exception stop applying?
The relevant question is whether the bathroom renovation is completed on its own. If it is completed with other work to a building that requires a fidelity fund certificate, it cannot be treated as a standalone bathroom renovation.
For example, additions and extensions to a house, duplex or townhouse—or flats less than three storeys, excluding undercroft or underground parking levels—require a fidelity fund certificate when the works are over $25,000 and increase the floor area. If a bathroom renovation is carried out as part of that work, the standalone bathroom exclusion does not remove the certificate requirement for the wider project.
How does the $25,000 threshold apply?
The NT Government’s threshold must be read together with the type of work:
| Rule | Current position |
|---|---|
| Minimum prescribed value | Increased from $12,000 to $25,000 under reforms commencing on 30 March 2026 |
| Work increasing residential floor area | Building work worth over $25,000 that increases a property’s residential floor area is prescribed residential building work |
| Date of certificate issued | The amendments apply only to fidelity fund certificates issued after 30 March 2026 |
The $25,000 figure is therefore not a blanket rule that every project above that amount needs a certificate. The stated exclusions still apply, while additions, extensions and renovations must be assessed within the prescribed-work rules.
If an existing certificate was issued before the amendments took effect, do not assume the current rules apply retrospectively. The NT Government specifically states that the amendments apply only to certificates issued after 30 March 2026.
What should a builder do when a job contains both landscaping and building work?
Builders must consider the full scope of the job rather than treating each line item in isolation.
For every job containing prescribed residential building work, builders must obtain a fidelity fund certificate on their clients’ behalf. The certificate must be in place before the building permit is obtained and before payment is demanded from the owner.
Fidelity Fund NT manages the fund and is currently the only provider in the Northern Territory. Its listed contact details are (08) 8922 9680 and info@fidelityfundnt.com.au.
Does a “No” answer settle every legal and insurance question?
No. A “No” from the certificate table means only that the stated work does not require a fidelity fund certificate in the circumstances described. It does not determine every obligation associated with a mixed residential building project.
Check the NT Government regulator page for the current scope and timing rules, and read the Product Disclosure Statement for any insurance policy you rely on. This article is general information, not financial or legal advice.
Sources
FAQ
Do garden sheds need a fidelity fund certificate in the NT?
No. The NT Government’s stated position is that a fidelity fund certificate is not needed for a garden shed.
Are fences excluded from fidelity fund certificate requirements?
Yes. The stated position is that a fidelity fund certificate is not needed for a fence.
Can a bathroom renovation be treated separately from a larger building project?
Only when it is completed on its own. If it is completed with other work on a building that requires a fidelity fund certificate, the standalone bathroom exception does not apply.
Does work worth over $25,000 always need a certificate?
No. Value alone does not answer the question. The type and scope of the work must also be checked against the prescribed-work rules and stated exclusions.
Do the 30 March 2026 reforms apply to older certificates?
No. The NT Government says the amendments apply only to fidelity fund certificates issued after 30 March 2026.
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