Are there any additional costs not covered in the initial rental agreement?

Usually, your agreed rental charge covers the stairlift, installation, planned servicing and removal at the end of the rental period, but the exact inclusions depend on your written agreement. Additional costs may apply where work or circumstances fall outside the agreed rental package. Independent Stairlifts should explain these charges before they are incurred wherever this is reasonably possible.

Potential additional costs can include:

• Changes to the home: Most stairlifts are installed using the existing staircase and do not require major building work. However, a non-standard installation may require additional electrical work, alterations to a banister or flooring, or other preparation. Any proposed work and its price should be discussed before installation.
• Damage or misuse: The agreement may allow charges for damage caused deliberately, through misuse, or by failing to follow the operating and care instructions. Normal wear and tear should be treated differently, so check how your agreement defines each type of damage.
• Changes to the rental period: Ending the rental early, extending it beyond the agreed term, or arranging removal at a different time may affect the amount payable. Some agreements have notice requirements or separate removal and collection conditions.
• Missed or late payments: Overdue rental payments may lead to administration charges or other action where the agreement permits this. Contact Independent Stairlifts promptly if you are having difficulty making a payment rather than allowing arrears to build up.
• Additional visits or services: Repairs covered by the agreement are normally dealt with under its maintenance terms. A charge may be considered for a visit that is outside those terms, such as a call-out caused by misuse, unauthorised interference or a problem unrelated to the stairlift.
• Optional equipment: Extra features or accessories not included in the agreed model may carry a separate rental or installation cost. This can include alternative controls, specialist seating options or equipment needed to suit a particular user.
• Taxes or other contract charges: Where applicable, the agreement should state whether the quoted price includes VAT and identify any other mandatory charges. Ask for clarification if the price is not shown as a total amount.

Routine servicing and faults caused by normal use are often included in a rental package, but this is not automatic for every agreement or every type of repair. Read the sections covering maintenance, call-outs, exclusions and responsibility for damage. If a fault develops, report it through the agreed contact process and do not attempt to remove or repair the stairlift yourself.

Before signing, check that the agreement clearly sets out the rental charge, payment schedule, installation and removal arrangements, repair cover, notice requirements, cancellation or early-return terms, and any possible charges for damage or additional work. It should also identify what happens if the stairlift cannot be installed as assessed or if your circumstances change.

If you are unsure whether a proposed visit, alteration or change to the rental period will cost extra, ask Independent Stairlifts for confirmation before agreeing to it. Request a written explanation of any charge, including what work it covers and whether it is a one-off cost or an ongoing addition to the rental. This allows you to compare the explanation with your agreement and avoids unexpected costs.