Lifts are always helpful and frequently essential if you live on a high floor or have trouble climbing stairs. It’s not a problem if they’re operating; however, if elevators get stuck regularly or are neglected elevator maintenance for an extended period, it can seriously impair the quality of life. Worst case, if elevator repairs are not made, it could mean you cannot leave your house.
Additionally, antisocial activity and vandalism can occur in lifts. These issues are related since the landlord doesn’t keep the building’s common areas up to date, safe and clean.
The total number of high-rise residential buildings of 18 metres or more in height, or at least 7 storeys in England is estimated as of April 2020 to be 12,500. 6,500 (52%) are private sector buildings (private residential buildings and student accommodation).
In this blog, we’ll look at how long a landlord has to fix an elevator.
Do apartment blocks have to have lifts?
Part M of the Building Regulations recommends passenger lifts are required as the preferred means of vertical transportation in multi-story housing. They also stipulate that any elevator installation must have the capacity to accommodate multiple standing passengers, a wheelchair, or a pushchair .
When it comes to accessibility, modern buildings (constructed or modified after October 2015) that are higher than two stories must have a lift for those with limited mobility. Short flights of stairs may be served by a ramp or a platform lift instead of a lift.
Are landlords responsible for elevator breakdowns?
The maintenance and repairs of passenger lifts and service elevators, as well as the regular, comprehensive testing and inspections necessary to guarantee the lifts’ safe operation, fall under the purview of landlords.
Although passenger lifts in residential buildings are exempt from the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) because the building’s occupants primarily use them, businesses that provide this equipment are nonetheless accountable for its safety (i.e. it will require routine maintenance and inspection).
It may be reasonably justified to manage the risks in accordance with the HSWA by implementing a maintenance, inspection, and examination regime that is identical to that mandated under LOLER (i.e., the hazards may be the same as utilising elevators in connection with work). In order to cover public liability, insurers may also require even higher standards of risk management.
If you need your lift LOLER-inspected, we offer this kind of licensed service.
The landlords duty to maintain elevators
Landlords are legally required to maintain the lifts in good operating condition in accordance with the terms of the leasing agreement. Here are a few things to remember:
- To make sure that lifts are in safe operating condition, landlords are required to perform routine inspections.
- Tenant complaints about elevator outages should be addressed right away, and swift action should be taken to fix them.
- Landlords should also implement regular maintenance, passenger lift inspections, and repair schedules for their lifts to reduce expensive and inconvenient lift failures.
Elevator repair timelines
The landlord, building owners or property management company must follow the minimum repair timelines as mandated by the law, which generally depends on the severity of the issue.
- Minor lift repairs have to be finished in an adequate amount of time.
- Any maintenance that affects tenant safety and prevents entry to the building needs to be addressed immediately and in accordance with an emergency lift repair plan.
If the landlord fails to make the necessary repairs, they may be subject to legal action.
When estimating the time needed to fix a lift that isn’t working properly, it’s important to consider some key uptime points. These elements matter because they can affect both the profitability of your building and the satisfaction of tenants.
Age and type of elevator
The lift’s age and kind are major factors in estimating how long repairs might take. Due to their possibly obsolete parts, older lift models may require more time to repair. Furthermore, it could take some time to locate alternatives for these antiquated components.
Modern lift types, on the other hand, can reduce lift maintenance costs as they are simpler to maintain as their parts are more readily available and may only need a little amount of work.
Severity of elevator repair
The length of time it takes to fix a lift can vary depending on its type and severity. Fixing little problems like broken buttons can be completed in a few hours.
On the other hand, significant problems like broken lift components or non-functioning lift systems may need days or even weeks to resolve.
Co-operation between landlords, property managers and housing providers
The time it takes to fix a lift can be greatly impacted by the landlord and the property management team working together effectively.
Repairs for the lift could be finished more quickly if there is open communication and a coordinated effort.
Looking for timely lift repairs and preventative maintenance?
Your duty as a landlord is to ensure that your tenants have a secure and comfortable place to live. This involves ensuring that the lifts in your building are operational and in good condition.
By collaborating closely with a reliable lift maintenance provider and abiding by local laws and regulations, you can ensure that the lifts in your building are operating properly and limit any inconveniences to your tenants.
In general, it’s essential to put your tenants’ safety and comfort first, and fixing lift problems as soon as possible is key to accomplishing this.
Our expert lift engineers at Future Lift Services have years of experience in the field, and we offer a comprehensive range of lift services to meet your specific needs.
We can help you maintain the efficiency and smooth operation of your lifts while also assisting you in making the most cost-effective possible servicing cost savings. This includes lift modernisation & refurbishment , installation, and servicing & maintenance.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.
How long does a landlord have to fix an elevator FAQs
Can a landlord be held liable for elevator accidents?
Yes, the landlord is responsible for any incidents that happen if they don’t keep the lift safe. Landlords are accountable for giving tenants access to secure and working lifts.
What should you do if your landlord doesn’t fix the elevator?
It is advisable to inform your landlord of the problem in writing and to maintain a correspondence log. You can register a complaint with the appropriate authorities if the problem continues. It is also possible for you to file a lawsuit and get legal counsel regarding your landlord.
What are common reasons for an elevator to break down?
Inadequate maintenance, worn-out components, incorrect installation, power outages, and severe weather are common causes of lift malfunctions. Prompt, expert maintenance can avoid most lift failures.