Life is full of surprises. Unexpected operations, injuries, or natural ageing can all mean you end up in a situation where a stairlift could make a real impact on your quality of life for now (but not forever). This is where renting a stairlift would come in handy.

But can you actually rent a stairlift? Won’t it damage your stairs, or be too much of a faff in the short term? 

This guide covers everything you need to know about renting a stairlift, including what a stairlift rental actually costs, how to go about getting a stairlift short-term, and the situations in which renting makes more sense for you.

When is renting a stairlift the right choice?

Renting a stairlift is entirely possible, and it can even be a better option for you over purchasing one outright. Most of the time, people rent a stairlift due to:

• Short-term recovery periods: big operations like hip or knee replacements are one of the most common reasons to rent over buying. Having a stairlift for 3 months while you gain mobility can be incredibly helpful for your recovery, and you can send it back once you’re back on your feet full-time.

• Uncertain diagnoses: life and recovery aren’t linear. Renting a stairlift when you’re unsure of a prognosis after illness, for example, means you’re not locked into a contract. From here, you can either make the choice to buy or change your arrangement as needed.

• Caring for a relative: renting a stairlift can make your life easier when you have an elderly relative, or less-mobile friend, staying with you temporarily. It’s a practical solution that allows them more independence in your home without permanently altering your space.

• Trying before you buy: thinking of investing in a stairlift for the long-term, but never used one? Renting for a few months allows you to test out how it will work in your home before committing to the full cost.

• Waiting on funding: while you wait for a Disabled Facilities Grant to help you buy a permanent stairlift for your home, a stairlift rental offers a cheaper stopgap option that allows you to be safe and comfortable on the stairs in the interim.

Does renting a stairlift make financial sense?

The rent vs buy discussion entirely depends on how long you think you will need a stairlift for. Being honest with yourself, and the installers, is the best way to save money in the long run.

This is because renting a stairlift comes with two cost considerations.

• Upfront cost: there is an initial upfront cost, even for rental stairlifts, to cover installation, maintenance, and eventual removal of the unit.
• Rental fee: you’ll also need to pay the rental fee, which is priced weekly or monthly. This can vary anywhere from £60 to £110 monthly, but it’s worth remembering that it can quickly add up over time.

On the other hand, buying comes with a larger initial upfront fee, but little further expenditure (aside from regular servicing or repairs post-warranty).

This means that financially, there is a rough break-even point where the cost of renting reaches or exceeds the cost of buying a stairlift outright.

So what is the deciding factor? Time.

As a general rule, if you think you’ll need a stairlift for a fixed or short-term period (as we explained above), renting is the way to go. This way you get the help you need, and once you’re done you have a clear staircase again.

How much does it cost to rent a stairlift in the UK?

Renting a stairlift is quoted as a monthly amount, with the total depending on three main criteria: 

• Are your stairs straight or curved?: curved stairlifts will always cost more, because they are custom-built to the specifications of your staircase, even when you’re only borrowing for a short period. Straight stairlifts are much simpler and cheaper because they’re more standardised.
• How long do you need the stairlift for?: obviously, longer rental periods mean more payments.
• Are installation and removal included or separate costs?: separated pricing for installation and removal can push up the charges you’ll need to cover. A three-month rental agreement will look very different with one-off installation and removal fees added.

If you are renting a stairlift, make sure you always ask for all charges, not just the monthly costs. When you contact us about renting a stairlift, our written quotes will include the rental rate, installation and removal charges, and exactly what is covered in the agreement, not just the headline number.

How stairlift rental works

Renting a stairlift, especially with us, is a pretty easy process. You just need to follow some simple steps and you’ll be on your way in no time.

Step 1: get in touch

To get in touch with us, either fill in our online form, or give us a ring on 01666 822 060. From there, we’ll ask you a few questions about your staircase (is it straight or curved, any tight turns or landings?), and how long you think you’ll need the lift for.

Step 2: the home visit

Once we’ve agreed upon a date, one of our engineers will come out to survey your staircase, measure the stairs, and check that a lift will fit safely. This is also the perfect time for you to ask any questions you have about the arrangement.

Step 3: get your quote

Putting all the pieces together, we’ll leave you with a written quote which will cover the rental rate, length of contract, any installation and removal costs, and other important information you need to know about the agreement.

Step 4: installation

Next stop, fitting your stairlift. Straight stairlifts are easier and quicker to fit, and can be installed within a day or two depending on availability. Curved stairlifts need bespoke parts, so you’ll need to allow more time for parts to arrive and be fitted safely onto your staircase.

Want to know more? Check out What to Expect When Your Stairlift Is Installed.

Step 5: using your stairlift

After installation, one of our engineers will talk you through how to use the controls and safety features. Make sure you ask any questions you have, and are fully confident using the stairlift before they leave. 

Step 6: end of term

When the rental contract ends, you have a few options. You can extend it if you need the unit longer, buy the stairlift outright to keep, or have it removed.

What is included in a rental agreement?

A proper rental agreement should cover all the terms that both sides have agreed upon, which is more than just the stairlift itself. Your rental agreement should include:

• The full cost breakdown: this includes rental fees, installation and removal charges. Having all costs from the beginning protects you from hidden charges later on.
• Any maintenance needs: any services or maintenance should be included into your agreement to avoid surprises in the future.
• Breakdown cover: confirm what you are covered for in terms of breakdowns, including call-out fixes, so you know what you’re paying for.

Some things may not be included as part of your agreement, such as damages caused by misuse. You may also be subject to a deep clean or refurbishment fee if the stairlift is returned in poor condition. You should ask about both before signing anything.

Remember, always make sure you have a written rental agreement, and keep it safe until the end of your contract period.

Frequently asked questions

Still have some questions? We’ve got you covered.

Can I rent a stairlift on the NHS?

You cannot rent a stairlift directly through the NHS. 

Instead, you can appeal to your local council to pay for adaptations under £1,000, or for Disabled Facilities Grants which can subsidise or cover accommodations needed in your home, like stairlifts.

Part of this application process involves a home assessment with occupational therapists, who can visit your home for free to discuss what you need to help you at home. Learn more about stairlift funding with our guide to Everything You Need to Know About Stairlift Grants.

Is there a minimum rental period?

Yes, there is usually a minimum period for renting a stairlift. This is due to initial set up and removal labour requirements.

At Simply Stairlifts, we ask for a minimum rental period of 3 months.

What happens if the rental breaks down?

Breakdown cover should be something that is included in your rental agreement, so if you have an issue you should call us straight away. If the fault can’t be fixed immediately, we’ll run you through some options to make sure you’re not left abandoned without a working stairlift.

Never try to fix your stairlift yourself. This can be dangerous and will void the warranty.

Does removing rental stairlifts damage your walls?

No, proper stairlift removal does not damage your walls or stairs. 

Stairlifts are attached to the stair treads using small, shallow screws. Once removed, the screw holes can be easily filled with a standard wood filler and smoothed over. On carpeted stairs, you may notice some indents in the carpet from the brackets, but these will disappear over time, or with a quick clean.

Since stairlifts are not attached to the walls, there is no structural damage and any plastering or decorations will remain untouched.

Note: the lack of damage means stairlifts tend to be widely accepted in rental properties, since they can be removed when needed.

Is renting a stairlift worth it?

Absolutely. If you’re in a situation where your life can be improved by the short-term use of a stairlift, then renting is a great solution. You maintain access to all levels of your home, your independence, and it’s a simple job to keep or remove the stairlift as you wish.

Feeling ready to rent?

If renting a stairlift feels like the right option for you, we’d love to help you out. Our home surveys are completely free, and Brian or Jack will be able to offer you the best advice for your situation. There’s no obligation; we can show you what’s possible, how renting will work, and let you decide for yourself. Or, if you want to buy, we’d be happy to discuss all of your options with you to help you make the right choice for your needs.

Contact our team today to discuss your options further, or to arrange a free, no-obligation home survey. We’re family-run, covering a vast area around the South West of England, including Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Oxfordshire, Bristol, Bath, and the surrounding area, so your local branch could be a lot closer than you think.

Contact Simply Stairlifts today

Find out more helpful information about stairlifts on the Simply Stairlifts advice page…

Which Type of Stairlift is Right for You? | When is The Right Time to Buy a Stairlift? Signs it’s Time to Make the Move | How Safe is a Stairlift?