The Consequences of Neglecting Proper Lift Maintenance

When was the last time you had your lift inspected? If you're having to think about it, the answer might already be "too long ago."

At Eternal Elevators, we’ve seen first-hand what happens when lift maintenance gets shoved to the bottom of the to-do list. Whether you’re managing a block of flats, a busy office building or a public facility in Scotland, keeping your lifts running smoothly isn’t just about convenience, it’s about safety, compliance, and cost-efficiency.

Let’s explore the real consequences of skipping regular lift servicing, and why ongoing elevator maintenance should be a non-negotiable part of your building management strategy.

Safety Risks: Protecting People Comes First

The number one reason to keep on top of lift maintenance? Safety.

A neglected lift can quickly turn into a safety hazard. Worn cables, outdated safety features, failing brakes or faulty doors might seem like minor issues - until they cause an accident.

Even small faults can snowball. A dodgy sensor might mean doors close too early. A misaligned lift car could trip up a passenger. Malfunctions could leave people stuck between floors, or worse.

Not only can these incidents cause injury or distress, but they can also lead to serious legal consequences. You could be held liable if someone gets hurt in a lift that hasn’t been properly maintained.

Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Regular lift servicing is about keeping people safe - plain and simple.

Legal Compliance and Insurance: No Wiggle Room

In the UK, lift inspection and servicing aren’t just recommended, they're legally required.

Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), lifts used in workplaces must be thoroughly examined at regular intervals by a competent person. This typically means every six months for passenger lifts.

And it's not just commercial settings, residential buildings also need to follow the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

If you're not compliant, you’re opening yourself up to enforcement action, fines or invalidated insurance policies. Insurers may refuse to pay out if a claim is linked to poor elevator maintenance - especially if there’s no paper trail of inspections or reports.

Bottom line: lift servicing isn’t just a box-ticking exercise, it protects your liability, your finances and your tenants.

Costly Repairs: Prevention Is Always Cheaper Than Cure

It might seem like regular lift maintenance is an expense you can cut corners on, but in reality, ignoring small issues leads to bigger, more expensive problems.

That grinding noise? Might be a simple lubrication issue now, but left unchecked, it could wear down the motor and lead to a full replacement. That sticking door? A quick adjustment today could save a callout fee and parts order next month.

At Eternal Elevators, our team regularly performs preventive maintenance that nips issues in the bud, saving our clients thousands in emergency repairs.

Put simply: spend a little on servicing now, or spend a lot fixing disasters later.

Downtime Disruptions: Keep Your Building Moving

Lifts aren’t just nice to have, they’re essential - especially in buildings with multiple floors or for residents with mobility needs.

When a lift breaks down, the impact is immediate: residents stuck upstairs, visitors unable to access the premises, employees frustrated and building managers facing complaints.

If the lift is out of action for days while waiting for specialist parts or technicians, it damages your building’s reputation and your tenant satisfaction.

Routine lift inspections and servicing massively reduce the risk of breakdowns. They also give you advanced warning of wear-and-tear so you can schedule any necessary repairs before something stops working completely.

Reduced Lifespan: Get the Most Out of Your Investment

A well-maintained lift can last 20–25 years, sometimes longer. But without regular care, that lifespan can drop dramatically.

Just like a car, your lift’s components need ongoing attention. Motors need lubrication, parts need alignment, electronics need software updates, and over time, mechanical wear will need replacing.

A neglected lift will age faster, break down more often, and become more expensive to run year-on-year. Worse still, older lifts that haven’t been serviced properly are harder to modernise.

Poor User Experience: First Impressions Count

Let’s face it: lifts make a big impression. Noisy, jerky or unreliable lifts make a building feel unprofessional or unsafe.

In commercial settings, it can even hurt your business. Clients visiting your office? Tenants thinking about renewing their lease? Visitors to a hotel or clinic? A dodgy lift sends the wrong message.

More importantly, for elderly or disabled users, poor lift performance can be distressing or even inaccessible.

Loss of Property Value: The Bigger Picture

Lifts are part of a building’s infrastructure, and just like plumbing or electrical systems, they contribute to the overall value of a property. Neglected lifts can decrease property value and make buildings less attractive to potential tenants, buyers, or investors.

If your building relies on working lifts to comply with accessibility standards, regular lift inspections are vital—not only for compliance, but to maintain a competitive edge in the property market.

Why Eternal Elevators?

At Eternal Elevators, we’re passionate about doing more than just ticking boxes. We offer tailored lift maintenance packages that work around your needs, no matter whether you’re running a small residential block or a multi-storey commercial site.

We’re based right here in Scotland and understand the unique demands of local buildings, tenants and businesses. Our engineers are highly qualified, reliable, and always happy to explain what’s going on in simple, jargon-free language.

We offer:

●      Flexible monthly or annual lift servicing packages

●      Thorough lift inspections in line with UK law

●      Emergency breakdown response

●      Parts sourcing and lift modernisation

●      Transparent, competitive pricing

When you work with Eternal Elevators, you’re not just getting a service, you’re gaining a long-term partner for your building’s vertical transport needs.

Don’t Leave It Too Late

If your lift hasn’t been looked at in months - or even years - it’s time to take action. Regular elevator maintenance isn’t a hassle, it’s an essential part of safe and responsible building management.

Book a professional lift inspection today and stay ahead of any issues before they become costly, disruptive or dangerous. Alternatively, you can get in touch with Eternal Elevators today for a no-obligation quote, or to discuss a lift servicing package tailored to your building.