Stair lift in communal stair

littleredhen

Has anybody been able to install a stair lift in a communal stair?
I am selling my mum's flat which is a first floor flat but the stairwell is owned between the two flats - I have been asked by an interested buyer if I know if they could install a stair lift. I have suggested my estate agent contact my solicitor (same firm) and ask if there is any law regarding it (in Scotland) and I can contact the other owner but just wondering in the meantime if anyone has any experience, thanks in advance

davidmcn

You'd need the agreement of the other owner, there's no implied right to make improvements in communal parts.

Bit of an odd suggestion though, if you've got a problem with stairs why choose a property which already has them? Stairlifts are usually so you can stay in your old home.

littleredhen

davidmcn wrote: »

You'd need the agreement of the other owner, there's no implied right to make improvements in communal parts.

Bit of an odd suggestion though, if you've got a problem with stairs why choose a property which already has them? Stairlifts are usually so you can stay in your old home.

Yes I must admit I think it is odd too!

Rosieandjim

I don't find it odd at all. There are a lot of people who feel safer being on the first floor as you can leave your windows open in summer etc. Also if only 2 storeys high you have the advantage of not having overhead noise. The op may not need one yet but is checking for future use


From experience many moons ago working on the community stairlifts were not allowed on communal
stairs. I am not sure if this has changed but I would suspect the freeholder would refuse.

HampshireH

Depends on the freeholder.

Unlikely a council or HA will grant permission for a stair lift in a communal area.

They aren't designed for stair lifts. Arent insured as such in communal areas and can lack maintenance and they arent on the owners premises.

This means when owners leave they often leave this sort of thing behind.

They also have to be secured firmly, often removal causes damage.

There are no benefits for a freeholder to grant permission unless they are the one in need of it

davidmcn

Rosieandjim wrote: »

I would suspect the freeholder would refuse.

HampshireH wrote: »

Depends on the freeholder.

There is no freeholder, it's Scotland.

45002

Read on

https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/advice_topics/repairs_and_bad_conditions/adapting_your_home/adaptations_in_private_rented_housing

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/schedule/4?view=extent






...

davidmcn

45002 wrote: »

Read on

https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/advice_topics/repairs_and_bad_conditions/adapting_your_home/adaptations_in_private_rented_housing

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/schedule/4?view=extent

Only relevant if we were talking about landlord and tenant, and in any event the Equality Act doesn't override the neighbour's interest in the common stairs.