For condo associations, choosing an elevator maintenance contract is one of the most important decisions you will make. The right contract protects your residents, your budget, and your board from liability. The wrong one can cost you thousands in unexpected repairs and leave you vulnerable during emergencies.
Types of Maintenance Contracts
Understanding your options is the first step to making a smart choice:
Full Maintenance (Comprehensive)
- Covers all parts, labor, and repairs
- Predictable monthly cost with no surprise bills
- Best for older elevators or buildings wanting budget certainty
- Typically the highest monthly premium
Parts and Labor (Standard)
- Covers routine maintenance and most repairs
- May exclude major components like controllers or hydraulic cylinders
- Middle-ground option balancing coverage and cost
Oil and Grease (Basic)
- Covers only routine lubrication and adjustments
- All repairs and parts billed separately
- Lowest monthly cost but highest risk of unexpected expenses
- Only suitable for newer elevators under warranty
Key Contract Terms to Examine
Before signing any agreement, scrutinize these details:
- Response time guarantees - How quickly will they arrive for emergencies?
- Callback fees - Are after-hours and weekend calls included or extra?
- Parts coverage - What is specifically included vs. excluded?
- Annual increases - Is there a cap on yearly price escalation?
- Termination terms - How much notice is required to cancel?
- Proprietary parts - Will they use manufacturer-locked components?
Red Flags to Avoid
Watch out for these warning signs:
- Contracts requiring 3+ year commitments with steep cancellation penalties
- Vague language about what is covered
- No guaranteed response times
- Companies that only service one manufacturer equipment
- Lack of local presence (long travel time for service calls)
Questions Every Board Should Ask
When interviewing elevator companies, ask:
- How many technicians do you have in our area?
- What is your average response time to our building?
- Can you service our elevator regardless of manufacturer?
- What does your maintenance visit include?
- Can we see references from similar condo associations?
The Brouss Difference
At Brouss Elevators, we are a family business that has served South Florida condos since 2016. We guarantee response in under 2 hours because we have over 40 local technicians. We service all elevator brands and never use proprietary parts that lock you in.
Ready to review your current contract? Call 786.308.9128 for a free consultation. We will help you understand what you are paying for.
