Wondering about installing a stairlift in a rental home? It can be done, but there are some steps that you should take first to ensure a smooth installation and utilization of your new lift. A stairlift is a life-changing mobility aid that fosters independence, autonomy, and safety. Call or visit to find out more today!
When it comes to mobility aids, there are few that change lives the way that a stairlift can. Stairlifts enhance safety, accessibility, and convenience, while being easy to use and non-intrusive to others in the home. Do you rent your home? If you rent, it is still feasible to enjoy and embrace what a stairlift offers. Consider the following tips to install a stairlift in your rental home without incident.
Here is what you should know about installing a stairlift if you rent:
Speak with your Landlord
Stairlifts should only be installed by a qualified and professional mobility aid technician, which is why you should buy from a reputable seller. Installing a lift properly involves making some adaptations to the property, but should not damage the structure in any way. Because of this, speak to your landlord for permission and to ensure you are not penalized or evicted for breaching any rental rules. Failure to discuss this with your landlord or site manager could result in termination of your lease, leaving you to find a new place to live.
Consult with and seek permission from the landlord first before moving forward. Be clear when discussing the stairlift with your landlord as well as with what it will entail: installation of a track, involving some bolts in the adjacent wall and stairs. This should be easy enough to recover and modify when you move, but it is still imperative to discuss this with your landlord if you do not own the premise.
Get It in Writing
Did you receive your landlord’s permission to install a stairlift? That is great! Now, make sure that you get this consent in writing to protect yourself, and your landlord, too. Verbal agreements, like phone conversations, mean nothing if you are unable to prove you had permission to install the lift later. Remember, that if installing or using the stairlift causes any damage to the rental home, you are likely going to be held responsible. It is also feasible to document your discussions regarding the lift agreement through email correspondence. Many mobility retailers will require written permission from the property owner before installing equipment in a home, much like you would expect if you were installing cable television or making other changes to your abode.
Read, Research, and Review
With your landlord’s permission for a stairlift in hand, or via email, it is now time to find the perfect stairlift and mobility solution for your needs. This is where it pays to do your homework- read, research, and review others’ experiences to find a reputable and trustworthy seller as well as the right brand and model for your home.
For example, many consumers rely on Bruno stairlifts for accessibility. This brand comes highly regarded and recommended by a wide range of users. Stairlifts offer a variety of features and ‘extras’ depending on what you are looking for. It may help to sit down and compose a list of your reasons for installing a stairlift. It also helps to read the online reviews of past customers to assess and rate the level of service, support, and satisfaction that the customers have. Word of mouth is a powerful tool, so take advantage of it and access online feedback to learn more.
Further Steps that you Can Take
Most landlords are going to consent or concede to the installation in situations that merit it, but if you have an issue, you may need to find a new home or discuss your rights with an attorney. The Americans with Disabilities Act makes accommodations for those with physical disabilities, and a legal aid service or lawyer should be able to provide further insight into your distinctive situation. Anytime that you must hire legal representation, there is the possibility that it could become a costly pursuit.
The best approach is to discuss the matter honestly and promptly with your landlord, and express interest in their perspective, too. It may be as simple as asking permission to begin the process of installing a new, life-changing lift in your home environment!
Thinking about a stairlift? These bring an element of freedom and safety to the home that can increase autonomy and improve quality of life. In Southern California, speak with the mobility professionals at Pacific Mobility; they bring generations of experience and expertise to the table. Use these tips to move ahead with installing a stairlift in your rental home- and call us for quality mobility aids, unsurpassed service, and support after the sale.
President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.
24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)
