Lifts in NSW Strata Buildings: What Owners Corporations Need to Know

In many strata buildings across NSW, lifts are one of the most important shared assets. They support daily movement throughout the building, provide essential access for residents with mobility needs, and are relied on by everyone from residents to delivery drivers and emergency services.

Because lifts are such a critical part of a building’s infrastructure, they require regular servicing, strict safety compliance and clear reporting processes to ensure they remain safe and operational.

Here is what owners corporations and residents should understand about lift management in strata buildings.

Why lift maintenance matters

A lift is a complex piece of mechanical equipment that operates constantly throughout the day. Without regular servicing and monitoring, small issues can quickly develop into major faults that disrupt residents and lead to expensive repairs.

Well-maintained lifts help ensure:

• Reliable access for all residents

• Safe operation for passengers

• Reduced risk of breakdowns

• Longer lifespan of lift components

• Lower long-term maintenance costs

Regular preventative maintenance is always more cost-effective than emergency repairs or full lift replacements.

The role of the owners corporation and strata manager

In a strata scheme, lifts are considered common property, which means the owners corporation is responsible for their maintenance and safety.

The owners corporation typically works with the strata manager to ensure lifts are properly managed. This can include:

• Engaging a qualified lift maintenance contractor

• Maintaining an ongoing lift service agreement

• Coordinating technician access for servicing and inspections

• Managing repair requests and faults

• Keeping maintenance and compliance records

• Planning for long-term lift upgrades or replacements

A good maintenance program ensures lifts remain compliant with safety requirements and continue operating reliably for residents.

Compliance and safety requirements

Lift systems must meet a range of safety and regulatory requirements to remain operational.

In NSW, lifts must generally comply with standards under the Work Health and Safety legislation and be registered with SafeWork NSW where required.

Typical compliance requirements include:

• Registration of certain lift systems with SafeWork NSW

• Regular safety inspections and servicing

• Functional emergency communication systems inside the lift

• Adequate lighting and safety features

• Proper documentation of maintenance and repairs

Qualified and accredited lift technicians must carry out servicing and inspections.

Importance of reporting lift issues early

Residents play an important role in helping maintain the safety of lift systems.

If you notice anything unusual when using the lift, it should be reported as soon as possible.

Early warning signs may include:

• Unusual noises or vibrations

• Doors opening or closing slowly

• Jerky or uneven movement between floors

• Delays responding to call buttons

• Lights or communication systems not working properly

Reporting small issues early can help technicians identify faults before they develop into larger problems that cause lift outages.

Most strata buildings provide residents with a simple way to lodge maintenance requests through their strata manager or building management team.

Budgeting for lift servicing and repairs

Lift servicing forms part of the building’s ongoing operating costs and should be factored into the strata scheme’s annual budget.

Costs may include:

• Routine servicing contracts

• Emergency repairs

• Replacement of worn components

• Safety upgrades

• Long-term lift refurbishment or replacement

Because lifts are significant assets, many strata schemes also include lift upgrades in their capital works fund planning to ensure the building is financially prepared for future replacement or major refurbishments.

Keeping your building moving

When lifts are properly maintained and regularly inspected, they provide safe and reliable access for residents every day.

By ensuring maintenance contracts are in place, compliance requirements are met and residents report issues promptly, strata communities can minimise disruptions and extend the life of one of their building’s most valuable assets.

If you have concerns about a lift in your building or would like guidance on lift maintenance within your strata scheme, your strata manager can help coordinate inspections and maintenance with qualified technicians.

Need help managing lift maintenance in your building?

Lift compliance, servicing and long-term planning can be complex for strata committees and owners corporations.

If you have questions about lift maintenance, safety requirements or managing lift contractors within your building, the team at Centric Strata is here to help.

You can contact us to discuss your building’s needs or speak with one of our strata specialists.