Building Safety: The Accountable Person

Tall modern glass buildings with orange accent, shot from belowTall modern glass buildings with orange accent, shot from below

Building Safety: The Accountable Person

Obligations and responsibilities

October 13, 2026

United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom

In respect of each higher-risk building (“HRB”), it is very important to establish who is the Accountable Person (“AP”) and the Principal Accountable Person (“PAP”), as they have obligations under the Building Safety Act 2022 (“the Act”). An AP or PAP who fails to discharge their duties can, in some instances, be held criminally liable. 

There are extensive roles and responsibilities for the AP and PAP and it is essential for everyone involved in the ownership and management of HRBs to understand these obligations. 

This note focuses on the position in England only. 

The materials on the Eversheds Sutherland website are for general information purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. While reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy, the materials may not reflect the most current legal developments. Eversheds Sutherland disclaims liability for actions taken based on the materials. Always consult a qualified lawyer for specific legal matters. To view the full disclaimer, see our Terms and Conditions or Disclaimer section in the footer. Eversheds Sutherland is a provider of legal and other services operating through various separate and distinct legal entities. For further information about these entities and Eversheds Sutherlands' structure please see the Legal Notice page of this website.

Business Topics

Key contacts

davidfeist@eversheds-sutherland.com

David Feist

Partner

United Kingdom

timhill@eversheds-sutherland.com

Tim Hill

Partner

United Kingdom

andrewtodd@eversheds-sutherland.com

Andrew James Todd

Partner

United Kingdom

juliannetreacy@eversheds-sutherland.com

Julianne Treacy

Partner

United Kingdom

annabevan-jones@eversheds-sutherland.com

Anna Bevan-Jones

Principal Associate

United Kingdom

heather tomlinson 2

Heather Tomlinson

Professional Support Lawyer

United Kingdom

Latest Insights

  • legal updates
  • legal updates
  • legal updates
  • legal updates

Latest News

Latest Events

zero waste new pic

legal updates

November 12, 2026

EV charging COP31

legal updates

November 11, 2026

tracker image - Algorithmic

legal updates

November 11, 2026

lush green fields birds eye view

legal updates

November 10, 2026

© Eversheds Sutherland 2026. All rights reserved. Eversheds Sutherland is a provider of legal and other services operating through various separate and distinct legal entities. For further information about these entities and Eversheds Sutherlands' structure please see the Legal Notice page of this website.

Eversheds Sutherland is the name and brand under which the members of Eversheds Sutherland Limited (Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP and Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP) and their respective controlled, managed or affiliated firms and the members of Eversheds Sutherland (Europe) Limited and Eversheds Sutherland (Africa) Limited (each an "Eversheds Sutherland Entity" and together the "Eversheds Sutherland Entities") provide legal or other services to clients around the world. Eversheds Sutherland Entities are constituted and regulated in accordance with relevant local regulatory and legal requirements. The use of the name Eversheds Sutherland, is for description purposes only and does not imply that the Eversheds Sutherland Entities are in a partnership or are part of a global entity. The responsibility for the provision of services to the client is defined in the terms of engagement between the instructed firm and the client. For further information about these Eversheds Sutherland Entities and Eversheds Sutherlands’ structure please see the Legal Notices page of this website.