Lifts are an essential part of many residential blocks, providing access to upper floors for residents of all ages and abilities. However, lifts can also be a source of complaints and disputes, particularly when they are not properly maintained.
Some of the most common complaints about lifts include:
- Breakdowns: Lifts can break down for a variety of reasons, including mechanical problems, power outages, and vandalism. When a lift breaks down, it can be inconvenient and frustrating for residents, especially if they have mobility issues.
- Noise: Lifts can be noisy, particularly older models. This can be a problem for residents who live near the lift shaft or on lower floors. This can be more apparent for these residents during the later hours of the night.
- Slowness: Lifts can be slow, especially during peak times. This can be frustrating for residents who are in a hurry, late for work etc.
- Lack of cleanliness: Lifts can be dirty, particularly if they are not cleaned regularly. This can be a health hazard for residents, especially those with allergies or asthma.
In addition to these general complaints, there can also be disputes between residents about specific issues related to their lift(s).
For example, there may be disagreements regarding:
- Who should pay for lift repairs and maintenance: This is often a source of tension between landlords and leaseholders, which can result in the requirement for lengthy discussions causing delays to any works being undertaken. This can become increasingly frustrating for the residents during periods of long down time.
- How to allocate lift usage during peak times: This can be a difficult issue to resolve, especially when there are competing demands from different groups of residents, such as those who work early hours and those who have young children.
- Rules for the use of lifts: There may be disagreements about whether pets are allowed in lifts, or whether lifts can be used to transport bicycles and other bulky items, furniture etc. during moving whether arriving or departing the property.
Benefits of proactive maintenance
Proactive maintenance is essential for keeping lifts in good working order and preventing breakdowns. Proactive maintenance involves regularly inspecting and servicing lifts to identify and fix any potential problems before a breakdown occurs.
The benefits of proactive maintenance include:
- Reduced breakdowns: Proactive maintenance can help to reduce the number of lift breakdowns, which can save money on repair costs and inconvenience for residents.
- Improved safety: Proactive maintenance can help to improve the safety of lifts by identifying and fixing any potential safety hazards.
- Extended lifespan: Proactive maintenance can help to extend the lifespan of lifts, which can save money on replacement costs.
Planned refurbishment of lifts as equipment ages
As lifts age, they will eventually need to be refurbished, this involves replacing worn-out parts and upgrading the lift to meet current safety standards.
The benefits of planned refurbishment include:
- Improved performance and reliability: Refurbished lifts are typically more reliable and efficient than their older counterpart.
- Reduced energy consumption: Refurbished lifts are often more energy-efficient than older lifts.
- Improved safety: Refurbished lifts typically meet the latest safety standards, ensuring that they are as inclusive as possible.
- Extended lifespan: Refurbishing a lift can extend its lifespan to the equivalent of a replacement lift.
Common complaints and disputes with lifts within a residential block can be reduced by proactive maintenance and planned refurbishment as equipment ages. Proactive maintenance can help to reduce breakdowns, improve safety, and extend the lifespan of lift(s). Planned refurbishment can help to improve performance and reliability, reduce energy consumption, improve safety, and extend the lifespan of lift(s), this is where Ardent can help.
The correct level of Lift Consultancy can be utilised to:
- Ensure your maintenance provider is performing to the standard of your current contract (or write one more favourable to your client’s needs)
- Advise on the paperwork produced by being an owner or operator of a lift (insurance reports, quotations, breakdown reports, etc.)
- Assess the condition of a single lift or of a whole portfolio
- Analyse the lift requirements of a building (whether it is existing or still on the drawing board)
- Specify a refurbishment or replacement to give the maximum value allowed within the budgetary constraints of the client
Ardent are committed in leading the way in customer service within the industry, and continually improve in this area as we seek better ways of working, but don’t just take our word for it, our case studies not only give you a visual guide of what can be achieved with the right team but you can also read some testimonials from our happy customers https://ardentlc.co.uk/case-studies/
We are always on hand for a friendly chat if you have any queries, concerns, or questions.
07792 395 259
For more from Flat Living, please click here.
