Buyers Guide: Renting Stairlifts

May 25, 2019
By Stairlifts
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Buyers Guide:
Renting Stairlifts

Renting a stairlift

As many will tell you, stairlifts will provide people with an increased sense of freedom and independence. They are a great investment to make, whether you’re thinking of buying or renting.

Many people choose to rent a stairlift, for multiple reasons. This guide will look into when renting may be the best option, how to rent, things to look out for, and stairlifts in general. Take it as an extensive guide into all things stairlifts and renting them. If this interests you, make sure to keep on reading.

Let’s dive into this stairlift renting guide.

What is a stairlift rental?

This is basically the concept of paying a monthly fee to a stairlift company, for a stairlift in your home.

It’s a practical solution for those who are having difficulty with mobility and are finding it hard to make their way up the stairs.

Renting is an ideal option for those who are recovering from a procedure or illness. For short term use, renting allows your stairlift to be in place for the specific time that you actually need it. Many renters are using the renting option as their stairlift is only temporary.

It needs to be stressed that if your stairlift will be permanent, renting will not make sense financially. There are finance options (which we mention later on) which may make the payment to a stairlift easier.

A monthly cost will end up much more expensive in the long run, if your stairlift is permanent. Remember to keep this in mind when you’re shopping around.

How can you rent a stairlift?

Many companies offer stairlift rental, one of these include Acorn. Express how you want to rent to your stairlift company, and they will be able to provide you with the best options for you.

We understand that you may not be able to invest in a stairlift, especially not the full cost in one go. Renting in those cases does seem like a feasible option.

It’s worth noting that many stairlift companies do offer finance options, which could be a possibility for you. Sometimes you can negotiate the terms.

Remember, when you rent a stairlift it is for a period use. For that reason, if you go over that period of time, you need to pay more.

Again, this means you will likely pay far more than you would have ever if you were to buy a new or refurbished stairlift.

Also, as curved stairlifts are much more personal and depend on the individual curvature of a house, it is much less likely that curved stairlifts can be rented. It’s usually just for straight stairlifts, as these are easier to fit and remove after the rental period.

When companies do offer curved stairlifts to rent, they will often charge more. Keep that in mind.

How much does it cost to rent a stairlift?

As we mentioned, the cost of renting will likely be more expensive than the cost of purchasing one, in the long term. Most companies will only recommend renting if it is only needed for temporary use.

For the most part, rental of a straight stairlift should not exceed £10 a week. Curved stairlifts will be significantly more money – this is also the case for purchasing outright, just as they are more difficult to fit.

Curved stairlifts, even with a rental, can have an upfront cost of over £1,000 – this makes renting not always a viable option.

If you only need your stairlift for a very short amount of time, make sure to tell your stairlift company that when you’re finding the best deal. Some will require you to agree to a set term, which may make you result in losing a lot of money.

Further down, we talk about other options which might make stairlifts more affordable for you, so renting isn’t the only option for you financially.

Benefits of renting

Obviously, renting does come with its own set of benefits. Renting is often the best option for those who only need a stairlift for a short period of time – this allows you to not worry about the removal of the stairlift, or be stuck with a unit when you don’t need one.

Renting a stairlift also means that everything is taken care of, even when the stairlift is in your home. The stairlift company has a duty to ensure that the stairlift is working in full order – as with most renting contracts. This is one of the bigger advantages.

Rental, in short, means maintenance falls on the company – which can be different to when you buy outright.

The installation will often be completed in a day or two of ordering, so it’s a quick process. You just have to consider your specific needs, and whether or not rental would be the best option for you. It does come with its perks. With that out the way, let’s look into stairlifts in more detail. The following relates to all stairlifts – whether you’re renting or buying.

Should I rent?

Renting may not be the best option for you, especially if you need your stairlift for a long time. There are some ways that your stairlift may be more affordable for you, without renting.

Firstly, if you are chronically sick or disabled, you will not have to pay VAT on your stairlift. If you don’t fall into either of those categories, but you are over the age of 60, you will only have to pay 5% VAT.

If you believe you are exempt from VAT, just bring it up to your supplier, and they will be able to sort it out for you. Research into it a little bit more, if you are confused. All the information on the VAT is on the government’s website.

In some situations, you may also be able to have your stairlift to be paid for. You will have to contact your local government. They may offer a grant or pay for your stairlift fully – it is definitely worth asking about. Again, contact your government or check out their website for more information.

How much do stairlifts cost to run?

Stairlifts do not cost much to run, at all. In fact, some suppliers claim that it costs less to run than a kettle.

Based on estimations that you use your stairlift 7 times a day, it will cost you around £10 a year to run. Obviously, if you use your stairlift less or more, your stairlift will coincidently cost less or more to run.

They are super low-cost to run, the main cost comes from either renting or buying.

Maintenance

If you’re planning on renting, it should be up to the company to make sure everything is running in order. Before you sign a renting contract, make sure that they agree to do this. The last thing you want is to be charged an extra cost if anything breaks, or you need to call somebody out.

If you aren’t renting, you will need to pay for maintenance and servicing. All of which should be done by a qualified engineer – this will ensure that everything is in good hands, and your stairlift will live the longest life possible.

If you’re renting or buying an outdoor stairlift, make sure you use all waterproof coverings and protections to make sure it doesn’t break.

If you’re buying outright, make sure that you renew your maintenance contract every year. Your stairlift is so important and provides you with so much freedom. You want to ensure that you can always have it fixed – usually within a 24-hour time frame.

Do you need any extras?

Lastly, let’s take a look at whether or not you need any extras. Extras can be for comfort, convenience, or safety. Let your supplier know if you have any unique needs or conditions, and they can make changes to your stairlift.

This can be footplates or a swivelling seat. Don’t worry, every supplier would have seen it all and experienced every single unique extra. They will know exactly what will be better for you.

When your house is being surveyed for a stairlift, you should tell the engineer at that point.

What suppliers should I use

On the topic of suppliers, here are a few things to consider and which companies are the best for you to choose from:
How much do you want to spend (are you wanting to rent?)
How many years warranty do they offer
Do they offer a payment plan
How much does it cost to rent?
What safety features can they provide you with
Do they offer outdoor stairlifts? (if this is something you need)
How will the stairlift handle a power cut?

Some of the top companies to choose from are Acorn, Stannah, and Handicare – three companies that have stellar reputations, and provide the best quality stairlifts on the market. Each of which will provide you with either incredible stairlifts, or solutions which revolve around giving you independence.

Renting may be the option for you, which is a very valid choice. If, after reading through this guide, you are still up for renting a stairlift, make sure to contact Acorn and Handicare – both of which offer you hiring options.

If you have any more questions, we would be happy to help.

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