Guide · 2 October 2026 · 5 minute read
Seven questions to ask before you sign a maintenance contract
A cheap contract can be the most expensive one. These questions separate a real service from a visit and a signature.
1. How often will you visit, and what will you do?
Ask for the visit checklist in writing. Monthly is the minimum for a passenger lift. Busy buildings and hospitals need more.
2. How fast will you come, and at what hours?
A response time that only applies from 8am to 6pm is no help at 3am. Ask for the night response time and the rescue line number.
3. What parts are included?
Wear parts such as door rollers, contacts and shoes should be included. Find out how major parts like ropes, drives and machines are treated.
Ask for the price list for parts outside the contract, and how long common spares take to arrive.
4. Who is our engineer?
You want one named engineer who knows your building, not whoever is free that day. Ask to meet them at the survey.
5. Where is the logbook?
A logbook in the machine room, signed every visit, is the simplest proof that work was done. Ask for a monthly report as well.
6. What about power cuts?
Ask whether the contractor fits and tests rescue devices, and how they handle generator changeovers.
7. How do we leave?
Check the minimum term and notice period. Three months notice after a one year term is fair.
Checklist
In short
- Get the visit checklist in writing
- Ask for night response times
- Know which parts are included
- Insist on a named engineer and a signed logbook
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