It’s not always easy to tell whether your lift is being properly maintained. Most building managers only really notice when something goes wrong. But when good maintenance is happening, there are clear signs if you know where to look.
Here are three photos from recent visits by our engineers. Together they show what we think good maintenance should look like.
1. A tidy motor room

The motor room is where the lift’s controller and drive equipment live. In this case it’s a hydraulic lift, so the red unit is the power pack that pumps oil to raise the car.
A well-kept motor room should have:
- ✓Clear floor space so engineers can work safely
- ✓Isolators and switches clearly labelled
- ✓Cables routed neatly through trunking, not trailing across the floor
- ✓Up-to-date safety signage on display
2. A log card that’s actually filled in

Every visit should be recorded. This log card shows each attendance with the date, what was done, and whether the lift was left in service.
This matters for a few reasons:
- ✓You can see exactly what work has been carried out and when
- ✓Repeat faults stand out, so the root cause can be fixed
- ✓It gives you a record to show insurers and inspectors if needed
3. A clean lift pit

The pit is the space at the bottom of the lift shaft. It’s out of sight, so it’s easy for dust, debris and oil to build up there.
A clean pit lets engineers check the buffers, guide rails and equipment properly. It also cuts the fire risk from rubbish collecting under the lift car. Keeping it clean is a small job that makes a real difference.
Good maintenance means reliable lifts
If you’re not sure how often your lift should be serviced, read our guide on how often your lift should be serviced. If you’re reviewing your current provider, our post on what to look for in a lift maintenance contract is a good place to start.