7 Key Features to Look for in a Lift Maintenance Contract
A well-structured lift maintenance contract doesn’t just protect your investment—it ensures reliability, compliance, and peace of mind.
From coverage details to emergency support, knowing the key features to prioritise helps you avoid unexpected costs and downtime. Whether you’re managing a commercial building or a residential property, this article will guide you through the essentials of reviewing a lift maintenance contract.
1. Scope of Service
A proper lift maintenance contract should outline all the services included, ensuring there are no hidden gaps in coverage. Look for agreements that prioritise preventive measures, such as regular inspections, lubrication, and adjustments.
Contracts should also detail the frequency and nature of scheduled lift maintenance activities to avoid operational disruptions.
Any exclusions must be clearly outlined and without ambiguous clauses.
2. Transparent Costing
A well-defined lift maintenance contract ensures that all costs are clearly presented, helping you avoid unexpected expenses. Look for itemised billing that breaks down charges such as routine maintenance fees, emergency call-out fees (if any), and parts replacements.
For instance, Hin Chong’s contracts provide monthly per-lift maintenance rates and specify the exact total costs for the yearly Annual Lift Examination charges including the Lift Examiner fees.
GST inclusion or exclusion is another detail to consider. Contracts that specify this eliminate ambiguity in budgeting.
3. Lift Breakdown Emergencies & Annual Inspection Provisions
A good lift maintenance contract must include provisions for both emergency support and thorough annual inspections as per Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) lift requirements.
For emergency lift breakdown services, be sure to look out for lift mantrap response time. For example, Hin Chong offers 24-hour emergency call-back services with a response time of under 60 minutes for entrapments. For lift servicing in Singapore, it's important that your provider can address technical issues promptly.
Annual inspections are also crucial for regulatory compliance in Singapore. The BCA mandates such checks to maintain performance standards. Your contract should specify these inspections, including full-load tests and arrangements for the renewal of your lift's Permit-to-Operate (PTO). Without these, your lift could face downtime or non-compliance penalties.
4. Termination & Renewal Terms
Flexibility in termination and renewal terms ensures your lift maintenance agreement adapts to changing circumstances. Transparent termination clauses allow you to end an agreement with a certain amount of notice, offering control over long-term commitments.
This prevents you from being locked into unfavourable terms with poor service providers.
Seamless contract renewals will also help to minimise disruptions when it comes to lift maintenance. At Hin Chong, our contracts convert to a month-by-month basis upon expiry.
This ensures uninterrupted lift maintenance while providing flexibility for future decisions. It also eliminates the risk of sudden service gaps, maintaining your property’s operational continuity.
When evaluating a lift maintenance company in Singapore, verify that termination conditions are clearly defined and easy to execute. Check that the renewal terms don’t impose unnecessary restrictions or auto-renewal clauses that limit your options.
5. Payment Clarity and Protections
Payment transparency is critical when assessing a lift maintenance contract. A well-defined payment structure ensures that you can manage costs effectively without jeopardising the services provided.
Contracts should specify payment terms explicitly, such as the timeframe for settling invoices and consequences for delays. For instance, Hin Chong's agreements include clear 30-day payment terms, facilitating smooth transactions while maintaining service continuity.
Protections against payment delays form another essential component. Some contracts include measures to address overdue payments, preventing disruptions to scheduled lift maintenance. Provisions like these demonstrate a balanced approach, accommodating both client circumstances and the operational requirements of the lift maintenance provider.
You're essentially less likely to encounter disputes when responsibilities are defined.
Look for contracts that outline penalties for late payments or options to negotiate extensions under specific circumstances. This level of detail supports trust between you and your lift maintenance company, ensuring mutual accountability throughout the contract period.
6. Customer Obligations to Facilitate Smooth Service
Obligations outlined in a lift maintenance contract ensure efficient service delivery.
One requirement might be granting the maintenance team consistent and exclusive access to lift equipment and machine rooms. Without this access, response times during lift breakdown emergencies or scheduled checks can be compromised, delaying servicing and potentially increasing safety risks.
For example, Hin Chong’s contracts stress the importance of uninterrupted entry to these areas to minimise delays.
Your role may also include ensuring compliance with BCA's lift requirements. In Singapore, lift inspections tied to the renewal of the PTO require you to collaborate with assessors for timely assessments. Failing to meet these obligations could result in operational interruptions.
Meeting these responsibilities fosters a collaborative partnership with your lift maintenance company, ensuring smooth operations and reduced service delays.
7. Accountability Through Detailed Records
Maintaining accurate service records is not just an important feature of a reliable lift maintenance contract—it's also a BCA lift requirement.
Such records document every aspect of lift maintenance, including inspection dates, completed repairs, part replacements, and identified faults. They allow you to track service history, ensuring transparency and establishing a basis for well-informed choice-making.
Look for a lift maintenance company in Singapore that provides access to detailed maintenance documentation. It will allow you to evaluate service performance effectively, ensuring your lift systems operate reliably while meeting legal and safety obligations.
Work with a BCA-approved Lift Contractor for Lift Maintenance
Choosing the right lift maintenance contract is essential for ensuring operational safety, regulatory compliance, and long-term reliability.
As a BCA-approved lift contractor, we're here to support you every step of the way. With our personalised advice and free lift assessments, you can feel confident in making the best decisions for your property. Together, we can create a smoother, safer experience for everyone who depends on your lifts.
