How Often Should a Lift Be Serviced? Maintenance Frequency Explained

If you own or manage a building with a lift, one of the most common questions is: “How often should I service my lift?” The answer depends on several factors — from legal requirements to the intensity of daily use. Establishing the right lift service schedule is essential for compliance, safety, and long-term reliability.

Legal Requirements for Lift Servicing in the UK

UK regulations require lifts to be serviced regularly by a competent person. Under LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998):

• Passenger lifts must be thoroughly examined at least every 3 months.
  
  
• Goods-only & Platform lifts must be examined at least every 6 months.
  
  

These are minimum requirements — in practice, more frequent servicing may be necessary.

Factors That Influence Your Lift Service Schedule

1. Usage Levels
   
   
   
   • Busy office blocks, hospitals, or retail environments often need more frequent servicing.
     
     
   • A home lift or lightly used residential lift may only need servicing twice a year.
     
     
2. Lift Age
   
   
   
   • Older lifts may require additional inspections and preventative care.
     
     
3. Environment
   
   
   
   • Lifts exposed to heavy loads, temperature changes, or outdoor conditions may wear faster.
     
     
4. Manufacturer Recommendations
   
   
   
   • Always follow the servicing intervals recommended by your lift’s manufacturer.
     
     

Why Regular Servicing Matters

Adhering to a proper lift service schedule provides key benefits:

• Ensures compliance with UK law
  
  
• Prevents unexpected breakdowns
  
  
• Extends the lifespan of your lift
  
  
• Improves passenger comfort and safety
  
  

Skipping services may save short-term costs but can lead to expensive repairs and legal risks.

Acute Elevators: Tailored Lift Service Plans

At Acute Elevators, we help clients answer the question “How often should I service my lift?” with tailored plans that match building usage and legal requirements. From high-traffic commercial lifts to residential home lifts, our engineers create schedules that keep lifts reliable, safe, and fully compliant.

Upgrade Your Lift Experience

Don’t leave your lift maintenance to guesswork. Contact us today to build a service plan designed around your property.

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