Accountable person
The accountable person has duties and responsibilities for high rise buildings and those that contain two or more sets of domestic premises
The role of accountable person (AP) was created by the Building Safety Act 2022, which changed the Fire Safety Order - the main law that governs fire safety in buildings.
What is an accountable person (AP)?
An AP manages the fire and structural safety risks of a high-rise residential building.
They can be an individual or organisation that owns or has a legal obligation to repair any common parts of the building. This can include corridors, staircases and the structure and exterior of the building.
What buildings must have an AP?
If your building is high rise or contains two or more sets of domestic premises, you will need to appoint an AP.
If your building is neither of these, you do not need to appoint an AP.
How the accountable person should work with the responsible person (RP)
The responsible person (RP) should take 'reasonable steps' to identify the AP in your premises if your premises:
- Are at least 18 metres in height or have at least seven storeys
- Contain at least two residential units
RPs should cooperate with APs - for example, by sharing the fire risk assessment - so that APs can carry out their legal duties.
RPs and APs should both take a 'whole building approach' to the building and its fire safety.
Buildings with more than one AP
Some buildings may have multiple APs, with one appointed as the 'principle accountable person'. In some cases, the principle AP may also be the RP.
Where the RP and AP are not the same person, building safety information must be shared across these roles. Any information shared must meet data protection requirements.
Guidance for AP
The Government (Health and Safety Executive) publishes helpful guidance, detailing what an AP is and does, their legal duties, information about managing a building, competency and more. APs and those who may become APs - should read this guidance.
