When is a Lift Required in a Residential Building?

High-rise housing became popular in the post-war era, and many of these buildings remain in use today. Installing lifts in communal areas was essential, as relying solely on stairs made it difficult to reach upper floors. Today, lifts continue to play an important role in meeting the demands of both public and private housing.

As the UK’s population continues to grow and available land becomes limited, high-rise living is becoming a more common choice. According to the latest UK census, 5.4 million households now reside in flats, maisonettes, or apartments, up from 4.9 million in 2011. With so many people living in multi-storey buildings, safe and convenient access is more important than ever. 

A lift is required in a residential building when the building has four or more storeys, according to Approved Document M (Volume 1) of the UK Building Regulations.

What Types of Lifts Should Be Installed in Residential Buildings?

Passenger Lift

Designed to move residents safely between floors.
Best for: Most residential buildings; mandatory in those with more than three storeys.

Platform Lift

A compact solution ideal for low-rise buildings and wheelchair access.
Best for: Properties where a full passenger lift is not feasible.

Goods Lift

Built to transport heavy or bulky items.
Best for: Larger residential blocks to reduce congestion in passenger lifts.

Firefighter Lift

Allows emergency services to access upper floors safely during a fire.
Best for: Buildings over 18 metres above, or more than 10 metres below—the fire service access level.

Evacuation Lift

Used to safely evacuate residents with limited mobility during emergencies.Best for: Buildings that need dedicated evacuation routes for wheelchair users or those unable to use stairs.

‍

Selecting the appropriate lift type ensures compliance with building regulations such as Approved Document M (accessibility standards), Part M of the Building Regulations, and British Standards for fire safety, including BS EN 81-73 and BS EN 81-72.

Factors That Determine the Need for Lifts in Residential Buildings

Many factors influence whether a lift is required in a residential building.

Building Height 

• Height is the primary determinant for lift provision. Buildings over three storeys typically require at least one lift to ensure accessible movement between floors.
  
• In two- to three-storey buildings, lifts are not always mandatory but are strongly recommended to future-proof accessibility and support residents with mobility needs.
  
• Taller buildings also demand more robust lift systems due to increased traffic and safety requirements.

Number of Residential Units

• The total number of flats influences both the number and capacity of lifts required.
  
• Developments with 30 or more units above ground level are generally advised to install two lifts, ensuring continuous access if one fails or is undergoing maintenance.
  
• Larger blocks may need additional lifts to prevent congestion and to meet modern service-level expectations.

Accessibility Requirements

•  Lifts must support inclusive access and comply with the Equality Act 2010 and relevant building regulations (e.g., Approved Document M).
  
• This typically includes designing lifts that can accommodate wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams, and users with visual or hearing impairments.
  
• Accessible features may include larger lift cars, audible/visual indicators, handrails, low-mounted controls, and unobstructed approach routes.

Fire Safety Requirements

• Fire safety legislation and building height influence lift design. Buildings over 18 metres may require firefighter lifts, which allow the fire service to travel quickly and safely to upper floors during emergencies.
  
• In certain developments, especially those housing vulnerable residents, evacuation lifts may be required to assist people who cannot use stairs during a fire or emergency.
  
• These lifts must meet strict standards for ventilation, fire resistance, power supply, and shaft protection.

Building Age and Structural Constraints

• Older buildings or those undergoing refurbishment may face limitations around shaft placement, available space, and structural load-bearing capacity.
  
• Retrofitting lifts into existing structures may require creative engineering solutions and can affect the type or size of lift that can be installed.
  
• New-build developments, by contrast, can incorporate lift shafts into the architectural design from the outset, offering greater flexibility in meeting modern standards.

New Development vs Retrofit Considerations

• New developments must comply fully with up-to-date building regulations and accessibility standards, often resulting in higher lift specifications.
  
• Retrofit projects require balancing regulatory compliance with practical feasibility, cost, and structural constraints, often leading to tailored or compact lift solutions.

What Are The Passenger Lift Requirements For a Residential Building?

In the UK, the requirements for passenger lifts depend on the height of the building, the number of units, and accessibility standards. 

• Building height- A passenger lift is typically required in buildings with more than three storeys to support accessibility and future-proof design.
  
• Number of residential units- In residential blocks with 30 or more flats above the ground floor, installing two lifts is advised for uninterrupted access during maintenance or in the event of a breakdown. ‍
• Accessibility Standards- Lifts must also be large enough to accommodate wheelchair users and designed to meet the standards of the Equality Act 2010. ‍
• Fire Safety Requirements- For buildings over 18 metres in height, firefighter or evacuation lifts may be required to provide safe access for emergency personnel and support the evacuation of residents with limited mobility. 

When Is a Firefighting or Evacuation Lift Required?

Standard passenger lifts are EN 81-73 compliant, meaning they are connected to the building’s fire alarm system. In the event of a fire, these lifts automatically travel to the ground floor, the doors open and remain open, and no further lift calls are accepted. However, standard passenger lifts cannot be used to evacuate residents during an emergency.

Under British Standard BS 9999 (Code of Practice for Fire Safety), any residential building with floors more than 18 metres above or 10 metres below the fire service access level is required to install a firefighter lift. Defined by BS EN 81-72:2020, firefighter lifts are specially designed for use by fire services during emergencies, allowing safe transport of personnel and equipment to affected floors.

Evacuation lifts share many features with firefighter lifts, including uninterrupted secondary power, but are specifically intended to assist in evacuating residents who cannot use the stairs, such as wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. Firefighter and evacuation lifts are typically incorporated into a managed emergency plan to ensure the safe evacuation of all residents while maintaining compliance with fire safety regulations.

Legal and Accessibility Requirements for Lifts in Residential Buildings

Meeting legal and accessibility requirements is a fundamental part of installing lifts in residential buildings. UK building regulations set out strict standards to ensure all residents can move around their homes safely and independently.

Equality Act 2010

Under the Equality Act 2010, residential buildings must provide reasonable access for disabled people. This means that if a building has multiple floors, appropriate lift access is usually required to ensure that residents and visitors with mobility impairments are not placed at a disadvantage. Requirements include:

• Wheelchair-accessible lift cars with adequate space for turning and entry/exit
• Easy-to-reach controls, including tactile buttons and braille
• Visual and audible indicators for floor announcements
• Safety features such as handrails, emergency communication systems and non-slip flooring

These features mean lifts can be used safely by people with a range of disabilities.

Approved Document M (Access to and Use of Buildings)

Approved Document M of the Building Regulations reinforces the need for accessible vertical transport in residential developments. For multi-storey residential buildings, the guidance states that:

• A passenger lift should be the primary method of vertical access.
• Lifts must be appropriately sized and accommodate wheelchair users and mobility aids.
• Landing doors, lighting, and signage must support independent use by all residents.
• For buildings with 30 or more units above ground floor, multiple lifts should be considered. 

Part M also highlights the importance of providing consistent, accessible routes from the building entrance to the lift and onwards to each floor.

Fire Safety and Emergency Provisions

Fire safety requirements also influence lift provision in residential buildings. Under BS 9999 and BS EN 81-72, certain buildings require specialist firefighting or evacuation lifts to protect residents during emergencies.

• Buildings over 18 metres above, or 10 metres below, the fire service access level must include a firefighter lift designed for use by emergency services.
  
• Evacuation lifts, while not a legal requirement for all buildings, are recommended in modern developments to support the safe evacuation of residents who cannot use stairs.

These lifts include resilience features such as emergency power supplies, water-resistant components, and direct integration with fire alarm systems.

BS 8300-2:2018 (Inclusive Design)

BS 8300 provides best-practice guidance for creating inclusive and accessible environments. While not law, it directly informs building regulation compliance. It emphasises that:

• Lifts should be usable independently and safely by all residents.
• Passenger lifts are the preferred option in multi-storey housing.
• Every aspect should support equal access.

Following BS 8300 helps make sure a building is not only compliant but accessible for everyday use.

The Importance of Lifts in Residential Complexes

Lifts provide safe, convenient, and accessible transport for residents, visitors, and staff. In multi-storey apartments and tower blocks, lifts ensure that all floors are easily reachable, reducing reliance on stairs and supporting residents with mobility challenges, including wheelchair users and the elderly.

In larger developments, multiple lifts prevent congestion and ensure uninterrupted access even during maintenance or repairs.

Firefighter and evacuation lifts also provide safe access for emergency services and allow the evacuation of residents who cannot use stairs. 

Home Lifts and Expert Support from Acute Elevators

Lifts make residential buildings safe, accessible, and practical for everyone. If you’re looking for a quality solution in the UK, consider the Passenger Lifts offered by Acute Elevators. 
Acute Elevators has been installing lifts across the UK for decades. Our solutions suit both indoor and outdoor environments, meeting the UK’s strictest safety and quality standards. If you want to discuss your project or get a quote, feel free to contact us. 

Our expert team is well-versed in building regulations, accessibility needs, and lift maintenance, helping you deliver a solution that adds value and functionality to your building.