Stairlift rental: a lift for as long as it is needed

Rental makes most sense for a short or uncertain period. Which? mentions recovery from an accident or operation as a typical case, and notes that some suppliers set a minimum hire term, often around three months. It also suits people waiting for a council decision on a grant or for a through-floor lift to be built, who need a solution in the meantime.

If the need is long-term and stable, buying new or reconditioned usually works out cheaper once the monthly fees have run for a while. Ask the installer to set the total cost of renting over several likely periods next to the price of buying the same lift, including servicing.

Source: which.co.uk

Rental lifts are usually straight lifts, because they can be reused. Curved rentals exist from some companies, but the rail is made for your stairs, which pushes up the installation charge. Read the agreement for the points below before signing, and keep a copy.

• installation charge and whether it includes removal at the end
• monthly fee, when it can rise and how the rise is set
• minimum term and notice period to end the rental
• servicing and breakdown call-outs included, and response times
• what happens if the lift is damaged
• option to buy the lift later and how the price is worked out
• what happens to the rental if the user moves or dies

VAT Notice 701/7 allows the hire or lease of eligible goods, including stairlifts, to be zero-rated when the customer is a chronically sick or disabled person, and installation and maintenance can be zero-rated too. The notice is clear that this does not cover someone who is only temporarily disabled or incapacitated, such as with a broken limb, and that HMRC does not decide who qualifies; the customer signs a declaration. For many short rentals after an injury, VAT will therefore be charged at the standard rate. Ask every company to state the VAT in its price.

Some councils lend or lease new or reconditioned stairlifts and take care of maintenance and repairs; others direct people to a Disabled Facilities Grant in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. If the need is longer-term, ask the council's adult social care team about an occupational therapist assessment before committing to a private rental. If a grant is likely, do not buy or rent before the council approves the application, because work started early may not be funded.

Rental is often arranged in a hurry, sometimes during a sales visit at home. Contracts agreed at home usually carry a cooling-off period under the Consumer Contracts Regulations, but ask about charges for installation already carried out at your request during that period. It is reasonable to ask for the paperwork to be left with you and to involve a relative before signing.

Tell us about the stairs, how long you expect to need the lift and whether a council assessment is under way, and confirm your phone number and email. Stairlift installers near you see the request without your contact details, and one installer can buy it. It is then withdrawn from the list. We email you the installer's name, address and phone number before it receives your details. It costs you nothing, a taker is not guaranteed, and it is withdrawn after 21 days if unsold. Offrano checks that buyers are registered businesses only.