Lift Safety in Mumbai Housing Societies: Licences, Maintenance and What to Ask
Maharashtra regulates lifts under its own law. What societies need to keep in place, the questions residents can ask, and what to do when a lift keeps breaking down.
In a high-rise, the lift is not a convenience. It's how elderly residents, children and deliveries get home. When it's poorly maintained, everyone notices.
The short answer
- Lifts in Maharashtra are regulated under the Maharashtra Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks Act, 2017, administered by the state's lift inspectorate.
- Lifts need to be registered and licensed to operate, and are subject to periodic inspection.
- Societies usually hire a maintenance agency under an annual contract for regular servicing and breakdowns.
Ask to see the lift licence and the last service report. A society that keeps them handy usually keeps the lift in good shape too.
Questions residents can ask the committee
- Is the lift licence current?
- Who is the maintenance agency, and what does the contract cover?
- How often is the lift serviced, and where is the log?
- Do the alarm and intercom inside the car work?
- Is there a rescue procedure if someone is stuck, and does the security staff know it?
If the lift keeps breaking down
- Log each breakdown with the date and time.
- Raise it in writing with the committee.
- Ask whether major parts are due for replacement. Older lifts may need modernisation rather than repeated repairs.
Why landlords should care
Tenants, especially families and older people, often decide whether to renew based on how the building works day to day. A building with a reliable lift is easier to rent.
Frequently asked questions
Which law covers lifts in Maharashtra?
The Maharashtra Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks Act, 2017.
Who is responsible for lift maintenance in a society?
The society, usually through a maintenance contract with an agency.
Sources
- Maharashtra Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks Act, 2017
Related reading
General information, not legal advice.
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