Annual fire safety statements in NSW, explained

NSW annual fire safety statements

An independent reference on the NSW annual fire safety statement (AFSS): what the obligation is, who signs it, the deadlines and penalties, and how to find an accredited fire safety practitioner by region. Written for strata managers and building owners.

Start with the basics

Find an accredited fire safety practitioner

NSW coverage · 19 firms listed · free, no obligation

Step 1 of 2

Guides and resources

AFSS compliance checklist

The steps to keep a NSW building's annual fire safety statement on time and valid, in order.

What does an annual fire safety statement cost?

What drives the price of the annual assessment and statement, and why a single quote figure is misleading.

New to owning a building? Your first AFSS

If you have just taken on an existing building, here is what the annual fire safety obligation means for you.

The AFSS explained, start to finish

Plain-English answers on the obligation, the deadlines and penalties, who signs, and how to lodge.

What is an annual fire safety statement (AFSS)?

The AFSS is the yearly document that certifies a NSW building's essential fire safety measures still perform. Here is what it covers and who it applies to.

Who can sign an annual fire safety statement in NSW?

A common point of confusion: the accredited practitioner assesses the measures, but the owner signs the statement. There is a specific rule about who cannot sign.

AFSS deadlines and penalties for late lodgement in NSW

The AFSS runs on a strict annual cycle with a three-month assessment window. Miss the due date and councils issue escalating penalty notices.

What is a fire safety schedule, and how does it drive your AFSS?

The fire safety schedule is the master list of a building's essential fire safety measures. It defines exactly what the annual statement has to certify.

AFSS vs fire safety certificate: what is the difference?

They sound similar and cover the same measures, but a fire safety certificate is a one-off at the end of building work, while the AFSS repeats every year.

How to lodge an annual fire safety statement in NSW

A step-by-step of the AFSS process, from booking the assessment to giving the signed statement to your council and Fire and Rescue NSW.

How to find an accredited fire safety practitioner in NSW

Only an FPAS-accredited practitioner can carry out the assessment behind your AFSS. Here is what the accreditation is and how to check it.

AFSS for strata managers: coordinating the annual statement

For strata buildings the owner is the owners corporation. Here is how the annual statement fits a strata manager's compliance calendar.

Start here if you manage or own a building in NSW

If your building has essential fire safety measures listed on a fire safety schedule, the owner must give the council and Fire and Rescue NSW an annual fire safety statement (AFSS) every twelve months. It is a legal obligation under the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021.

The statement confirms that an accredited practitioner (fire safety) has assessed and inspected each measure and that it performs to the standard it was designed to. The assessment has to be carried out within the three months before the statement is issued. Miss the annual due date and councils issue escalating penalty notices.

The guides below explain each part in plain terms. If you already know what you need, use the practitioner directory to find an accredited assessor by region, or send an enquiry and we will match you to one.

The NSW AFSS penalty and deadline reference

One place that sets out the annual AFSS cycle, the three-month assessment window, the escalating council late-lodgement penalties, and the roles of the owner, the accredited practitioner, the council and Fire and Rescue NSW. Sourced to the Regulation and the NSW Planning Portal.

See the data

Ready to get started?

Tell us about your building and where it is. We will pass your details to an accredited fire safety practitioner who covers your area. Free to use, no obligation.

Connect with a practitioner

Find an accredited fire safety practitioner

Browse NSW fire safety compliance firms that publicly advertise accredited (FPAS) fire safety assessors, grouped by service region. Listings show name and region only. Always confirm current accreditation on the FPAA register before you engage anyone.

Sydney Metropolitan 10 Western Sydney 2 Hunter & Central Coast 3 Illawarra & South Coast 4

Or send an enquiry and we will match you to an accredited practitioner who covers your area.