Access to building files

To access building documents, you must provide photographic identification to prove you're the registered owner of the property.

A registered owner can provide a letter authorising any other person to view the file.

If a company is the registered owner of the property, they must provide all of the below:

• a letter on their letterhead, signed by the director, manager or principal, authorising the individual to view the building file
• the company's registration details or a company extract from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to confirm the names of the company office holders.

To search company and other registers, go to the ASIC Connect website.

If third parties or agents want to access building documents, they must present any of the below:

• a letter from the registered owner
• an authority to access building records form signed by the registered owner:
  • authority to access building records form PDF (520.9 KB)
  • authority to access building records form DOCX (689.7 KB).

You must view paper-only records in person at the front counter of a Building Advisory Services (BAS) office.

To gain access to paper files, you must provide one of the following:

• identification to prove that you're the registered owner of the property or
• authorisation from the registered owner and personal identification.

Paper files will only be held for 5 business days unless specified at the time of order. They can't be taken out of a BAS office.

Customer service staff can copy your documents for the following fees:

• $2 per A3 or A4 sheet
• $11 per A0, A1 or A2 sheet.

Alternatively, you can bring a camera to photograph the documents you need.

To view files that have been made digital and placed online, email all of the following to bas.files@nt.gov.au:

• evidence that you're the owner or an agent with authority to view the records - e.g. a driver licence and a copy of the authorisation (if applicable)
• the property address.

BAS will send a secure digital token to your email address which you can use to access your files using the Building Approvals online system.

You can ask for a certified copy of documents that are given, issued or served by the minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics or by the director of Building Control.

To get a certified copy of documents, follow these steps:

Step 1. Fill in the request for certified copy form.

Request for certified copy PDF (147.6 KB)
Request for certified copy DOCX (59.7 KB)

Step 2. Submit the form in person at a BAS office or by emailing bas.files@nt.gov.au.

BAS will advise you of the fee for making certified copies and give you instructions on how to pay.