The Block 2026 is back in full swing, and while the season has already delivered plenty of drama, the contestants also have to follow a strict set of rules behind the scenes.
These rules are the same for all five teams, and if any Blockheads are caught breaking them, they’ll have to deal with the consequences, which often requires a body corp meeting and a stiff penalty passed down.
On The Block 2025, viewers saw Britt and Taz get penalised for breaking the rules and working ahead on their alfresco and deck before the allocated week had arrived. The couple were slapped with a time penalty and were banned from working on their house for a full day.
The rules are designed to keep the competition fair for all contestants while also ensuring a safe working environment. In an interview with Domain, former foreman Keith Schleiger revealed that safety is paramount on The Block.
“We’ve got a very good record on The Block and we want to maintain it, so we’re very militant with our safety procedures,” he told the outlet.
Read on to find out all the rules The Block 2026 cast must stick to.
The rules of The Block
Contestants must do their own painting
If you’re a long-time Block fan, you’ll know this rule already as it’s touched on every season. Contestants are not allowed any help with their painting, paid or not.
No help from any outside designer
All designs, including styling, must come from the Blockheads themselves.
All trades must be paid the award rate
Contestants aren’t allowed to call in friends and contacts to get discounted rates; they must, at very least pay award or higher.
All trades must be inducted
According to Safe Work Australia, “Any person who is to carry out construction work must complete general construction induction training to receive a general construction induction training card, commonly referred to as the ‘White Card’.”
No more than 50 per cent discount on any trade goods
Much like the award rate rule, unreasonably cheap materials and furnishings aren’t permitted either. While bargains are allowed, no trade good can be discounted by more than 50%.
No working ahead
It’s the same story every year with contestants getting caught working ahead. It’s not permitted for contestants to work on rooms that haven’t been allocated for the week.
No power tools after tools down
No electric tools are allowed after ‘tools down’ has been announced. However, contestants can still use with non-power tools if it’s within working hours.
No power tools on Sunday or public holidays and no noisy building work after hours
Out of respect for neighbouring residents, The Block bans the use of power tools on Sundays and public holidays, and only permits them during set hours on other days.
Contestants must hire their own trades
The choice of who they hire falls on the contestants.
No building or material delivery on a public holiday
Even if contestants manage to convince a supplier to deliver on a public holiday, they won’t be allowed into The Block site.
Contestants can only work between the designated hours
Host Scott Cam revealed a major rule change this year: contestants must now follow strict council construction hours, meaning they can only work 7am–6pm on weekdays and 9am–3pm on Saturdays.
The Block airs on Sundays at 7pm and Monday – Wednesday at 7:30pm on Channel 10 and 10Play.
Love to chat about Reality TV? Join us in our new Facebook group and come chat! Or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for more entertainment news.
