The accountable person

In short: An accountable person (AP) is the organisation or individual responsible for a higher-risk building. An AP either holds a legal estate in possession of the common parts, or is under a relevant repairing obligation for them. In practice this is usually the freeholder, a management company, a registered provider or a managing agent. Every higher-risk building must have an AP, and where there is more than one, a single principal accountable person (PAP).

Accountable person vs principal accountable person

A building can have more than one AP - for example, different owners of different parts. The principal accountable person is the AP responsible for the building's structure and exterior. Where there is only one AP, that person is automatically the PAP. The PAP carries the lead reporting duties to the Building Safety Regulator.

The key duties

APs and the PAP must:

• Register the building with the Building Safety Regulator before it is occupied.
• Assess the building safety risks - the risks of fire spread and structural collapse - at regular intervals, and take all reasonable steps to manage them.
• Prepare a safety case report and notify the Regulator once it is complete.
• Apply for a building assessment certificate when directed by the Regulator, and display it.
• Keep and maintain the golden thread of building information.
• Put in place a resident engagement strategy and a system for handling building safety complaints.

The penalties

The duties carry real consequences. Operating an occupied higher-risk building that is not registered is a criminal offence. A breach of an AP's or PAP's duties that, without reasonable excuse, places people at significant risk of death or serious injury is an offence. Failing to pass the golden thread to a new accountable person can lead to a fine and up to two years' imprisonment.

How CTS helps

CTS acts solely for you, the accountable person - never for a contractor or supplier. We help you identify the AP and PAP, register the building, build and maintain the golden thread and safety case, and stay on top of inspections and reporting through the CTS BuildSafe platform.

General information, not legal advice. Reviewed by the CTS building safety team.