NSW fire safety
AFSS for strata in NSW: who does what (and a simple workflow)
If you manage a strata building, the AFSS is a recurring compliance task that benefits from a simple register and predictable timeline. This guide explains typical roles (owner vs agent), what to collect from contractors, and where to lodge. Always confirm your building’s schedule and lodgement method with council and FRNSW.
On this page
• FAQs
Quick answer
- Confirm the building’s current Fire Safety Schedule and AFSS due date.
- Book servicing/testing against the schedule and collect reports for each measure.
- Prepare the AFSS using the approved form, then lodge with council and FRNSW and keep receipts.
- Use a simple register (address → due date → contacts → evidence folder). See Fire safety register.
A simple strata workflow
- Week 1: Confirm schedule + due date. Assign an owner’s representative (committee/agent) and confirm who will sign.
- Weeks 2–6: Engage contractors/practitioners, complete servicing/testing, and record defects and rectification.
- Weeks 6–8: Compile the AFSS package: statement + schedule + lodgement receipts + evidence index.
- Before due date: Lodge with council and FRNSW. File everything in your compliance folder.
If you’re not sure where to lodge for your area, use the NSW councils directory.
What to collect and keep
- Current Fire Safety Schedule (keep the latest version together with the lodged statement).
- Service/test reports for each measure listed on the schedule.
- Rectification notes and “re-test” evidence where defects were found.
- Lodgement confirmations/receipts from council and FRNSW.
For a deeper evidence view, see AFSS supporting evidence.
FAQs
Is the strata manager responsible for lodging the AFSS?
Often the strata manager coordinates the process, but responsibility typically sits with the building owner/owners corporation. Check your agency agreement and confirm requirements with your council.
Do we need one AFSS per building or per lot?
It’s generally building-based (tied to the fire safety schedule for the premises). For multi-building strata schemes, confirm if each building has a separate schedule and due date.
Who chooses the fire safety contractor/practitioner?
The owner/owners corporation usually appoints suitably qualified contractors/practitioners. Keep records of who assessed each measure.
What should we keep on file?
Keep a copy of the lodged statement, the current fire safety schedule, receipts, and supporting service/test reports for each measure.
Official references
Always confirm current requirements with your council and Fire and Rescue NSW.
Get the NSW checklist
We’ll email the checklist + occasional updates as tools go live.
- AFSS lodgement checklist (NSW)
- Links to official templates
- Common mistakes that cause delays
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