Liability
In its broadest sense, the word 'liability' refers to a responsibility placed on someone, or something that places them at a disadvantage.
Liability has a number of more specific meanings, depending on the context in which it is used:
- A legal liability is a legally-bound obligation to pay debts or fulfill other obligations.
- A public liability is part of the law of tort which focuses on civil wrongs. See Tort and Public liability insurance for more information.
- Financial liability refers to the financial responsibilities one entity has to another, such as; borrowing to improving a business, or a transaction or other event that has already occurred but has not been paid for. Financial liabilities might be current (i.e. wages, taxes, accounts payable, and so on), or long-term (i.e. long-term bonds, long-term leases, pension obligations, and so on).
More detailed examples include:
- Defects liability. See defects liability period for more information.
- Liability for building design.
- Defective premises liability. See Defective premises - liability and measure of damages for more information.
- Joint and several liability.
- Architects liability.
- Vicarious liability
- Employers’ liability. See Employers’ liability insurance for more information.
- Strict liability.
NB The UN Procurement Practitioner's Handbook, produced by the Interagency Procurement Working Group (IAPWG) in 2006 and updated in 2012 defines liability as: ‘Any obligation incurred as a result of law, rule or agreement; being legally obliged and responsible; a debt or an obligation to another party.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.