How Often Should a Lift Be Serviced?

When you manage a commercial building — whether it’s a hotel, office block, hospital or shopping centre — one question matters more than most when it comes to safety and reliability:

How often should a lift be serviced?

It’s a simple question, yet the answer carries serious implications. A lift that isn’t serviced regularly becomes unpredictable, costly and potentially dangerous. A lift that is serviced on time stays smooth, compliant and dependable — protecting both your building and the people who rely on it every day.

Below is a clear, enticing and fully SEO-optimised breakdown of how often lifts should be serviced in the UK, why it matters and what happens if you leave it too long.

The Short Answer: How Often Should a Lift Be Serviced?

In the UK, most lifts require servicing at least twice a year — but this is the bare legal minimum.

The real servicing frequency depends on:

• how often the lift is used

• the type of lift

• the building environment

• its age and condition

• safety requirements

  
  

Hotels, shopping centres and high-traffic commercial buildings often need monthly or quarterly servicing to prevent breakdowns, protect passengers and avoid costly disruptions.

Legal Requirements for Lift Servicing in the UK

There’s a big difference between servicing and LOLER examinations, and building managers must comply with both.

LOLER Regulations (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations)

Under LOLER:

• Passenger lifts require a statutory thorough examination every 6 months

• Goods-only lifts require at least every 12 months

This is a legal requirement and cannot be skipped.

PUWER Regulations (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations)

PUWER requires employers and building owners to keep lifts safe for use at all times. Regular servicing is the only reliable way to meet this obligation.

Recommended Servicing Frequency by Lift Type

Different lifts experience different levels of stress and wear. Below is a general guide used across the commercial sector:

Passenger Lifts — Every 1 to 3 Months

Found in hotels, offices, apartments, schools, shopping centres. High foot traffic means more wear and more risk of breakdowns.

Goods Lifts — Every 3 to 6 Months

Used in warehouses, factories, retail stock areas. Heavy loads mean constant strain on mechanical components.

Platform Lifts — Every 4 to 6 Months

Often used for accessibility. Less intensive daily use but still vital for safety.

Dumbwaiters — Every 6 Months

Low passenger risk but requires mechanical reliability for safe food and goods transport.

Stairlifts — Every 6 to 12 Months

Common in care homes, hotels and public buildings. Safety and smooth operation are key priorities.

Conveyor Lifts — Every 1 to 3 Months

Industrial environments require strict servicing to avoid operational downtime.

Why Servicing Frequency Matters So Much

1. Breakdowns Become Far Less Likely

Frequent servicing catches problems early — before they become costly failures.

2. Safety Standards Stay Legally Compliant

Servicing ensures your lift meets UK safety regulations at all times.

3. The Lift’s Lifespan Increases

A well-serviced lift can last 20–25 years or longer. A neglected lift may fail within 10.

4. You Avoid Expensive Downtime

A broken lift disrupts everything — guest experience, workflow, accessibility and reputation.

5. Make LOLER Examinations Easier

A regularly serviced lift passes LOLER inspections with fewer issues and fewer corrective costs.

Signs Your Lift Needs More Frequent Servicing

You may need monthly servicing if you notice:

• unusual noises

• slow or jerky movement

• vibration during travel

• inaccurate floor levelling

• doors opening or closing inconsistently

• more than one breakdown per year

• the lift is older than 15 years

• the lift is used heavily every day

Commercial environments — especially hotels, hospitals and retail — often show these signs long before domestic lifts.

How Often Do Most Commercial Buildings Service Their Lifts?

Based on industry averages:

• Hotels: every 1–2 months

• Hospitals: monthly

• Shopping centres: monthly

• Office buildings: every 2–3 months

• Residential apartment blocks: every 3 months

• Warehouses: every 3–6 months

If your building fits into one of these categories, this is the maintenance frequency safety inspectors expect.

What Happens During a Lift Service?

A proper service visit includes:

• door system checks

• mechanical inspections

• lubrication

• brake testing

• electrical system checks

• ride quality assessment

• safety system verification

• minor adjustments and repairs

Servicing is not a box-ticking exercise — it’s preventative protection for your building and its passengers.

Final Thoughts: How Often Should Your Lift Be Serviced?

If your lift is used daily, transports passengers or operates in a commercial environment, servicing should never be left to the minimum legal requirement.

A good rule of thumb:

The busier the building, the more often the lift should be serviced.

Regular servicing keeps your lift safe, reliable and compliant — and protects your business from breakdowns, complaints and costly repairs.