The lift is usually the most complex installation in an apartment building and one of the largest fixed items in common expenses. It is also a safety matter. Here is what every manager and owner should know.
Regular maintenance
The lift must be maintained regularly by a licensed lift maintenance company, usually with a monthly visit. Maintenance includes:
- Checking the doors and safety devices.
- Checking ropes, brakes and the machine room.
- Lubricating and adjusting moving parts.
- Checking the emergency call system and cabin lighting.
- Recording every visit in the lift maintenance logbook.
Periodic inspection
Beyond maintenance, the lift is periodically inspected by an accredited inspection body, independent of the maintenance company. The inspection certifies that the installation is safe to use. The manager should know when the current certificate expires and book the next inspection in good time. Frequency and details are set by current legislation, which the maintenance company or inspection body can explain.
Tip: photograph the latest page of the maintenance logbook and the inspection certificate, and keep them with the building’s other documents.
How to choose a maintenance contractor
- Ask for at least two or three quotes.
- Check that the company holds the required licence.
- Ask exactly what the monthly fee covers: visits only, or small parts too?
- Ask about response times for breakdowns or people trapped.
- Ask for a written contract with a clear term and termination conditions.
How the cost is split
Lift costs are usually split using a separate lift per-mille table, because not everyone uses it equally. Higher floors usually pay more, while ground-floor units or shops may pay less or nothing, depending on the regulations. More in our guide to per-mille shares.
| Expense | Usual category | Usually paid by |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly maintenance | Regular | Tenant |
| Lift electricity | Regular | Tenant |
| Periodic inspection | Regular | Depends on the lease |
| Major repair or modernisation | One-off | Owner |
For the split between owner and tenant see who pays what. For major repairs, a reserve fund saves the building from emergency collections.
The lift in BeeManager
In BeeManager lift expenses are entered in their own category and split automatically by lift per-mille shares. Every resident sees on their statement how much they pay for the lift and why.