The Accountable Person’s Role in Managing Structural Safety Risks
The Building Safety Act 2022 created a new legal duty for those responsible for high-rise residential buildings. Every Higher-Risk Building (HRB) must have an Accountable Person (AP) who takes legal responsibility for the building’s safety. Where there are multiple owners or complex ownership structures, there will be one Principal Accountable Person (PAP) who has overall control.
If you own, manage or operate a residential tower that is 18 metres or seven storeys or taller and has at least two residential units, you may already be the Accountable Person under the law. Understanding your duties is essential for compliance and for keeping residents safe.
Who Is the Accountable Person?
The Accountable Person is typically:
- The building owner or landlord who holds the freehold.
- A management company or housing association with responsibility for common parts.
- A right-to-manage company or similar body in charge of the structure and exterior.
If more than one party could qualify, the Principal Accountable Person will usually be the one with the greatest control over the structure and exterior of the building.
Key Duties Regarding Structural Safety
Under the Building Safety Act, the Accountable Person must:
- Assess the risk of structural failure in the building.
- Take reasonable steps to prevent or mitigate those risks to ensure residents are not exposed to danger.
- Prepare and maintain a Safety Case that includes a clear explanation of how structural risks are being controlled.
- Provide a Safety Case Report to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) when requested.
- Maintain accurate building safety information as part of the required golden thread.
- Engage with residents by sharing relevant safety information in a clear and accessible way.
These obligations apply throughout the life of the building. They cover both the current condition and any changes caused by refurbishment, alterations or new equipment being added to the structure.
Using a Structural Report to Meet Your Duties
A Structural Report is the primary tool for demonstrating that you have properly assessed and managed the risk of structural failure. A compliant report should include:
- Review of existing records and design information.
- Inspection of key structural elements such as frames, slabs, walls, cores, balconies, roofs and foundations.
- A structural appraisal based on the information available at the time of reporting.
- Identification of defects or deterioration and assessment of their impact on safety.
- Practical recommendations for repair, strengthening or monitoring.
Including this report in your Safety Case helps prove to the BSR that you are fulfilling your legal obligations.
Why Acting Early Matters
Failure to meet these duties can lead to regulatory enforcement, reputational damage and financial loss. Early action allows time to plan inspections, carry out any intrusive investigations and budget for potential strengthening or repairs. It also helps maintain insurability and asset value.
How We Can Help
At Structures Made Easy, we support Accountable Persons and Principal Accountable Persons with:
- Competence and Chartered sign-off
- Proven experience with Higher-Risk Buildings
- Fast turnaround to meet BSR deadlines
- Portfolio pricing for multiple sites
- Clear, BSR-ready reporting formats
Our service makes it straightforward to comply with your new structural safety duties and keep residents safe.
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