Elevator Vandalism

What should you do if someone vandalizes your elevator? Are you aware that no elevator contracts cover vandalism? What is considered elevator vandalism and how do you prevent it?

 What is considered elevator vandalism?

 Elevator vandalism is anything an elevator company will bill you for that they can prove to be vandalism. The most popular types of vandalism or misuse are:

 1.    Trash in the door sill from tenants

2.    People/kids jumping in the elevator

3.    Someone (typically cleaners) leaving the elevator in independent service mode

4.    Not cleaning after construction

5.    Intentional damage and markings

6.    Spray paint/ graffiti 

 What does independent service mean?

 Independent service is typically used for move- ins and cleaning. Buildings will put the elevator in independent service so they won’t time out. A lot of the time, cleaners are responsible for leaving elevators in independent service. A good thing to do is send a building engineer or building employee to verify that the elevator is no longer in independent service.

 Got trash?

 Many people believe that when they throw garbage down the elevator pit, it goes to an endless void. This is obviously not the case. In most buildings, the tenants are responsible for this. Sometimes trash can get caught in the sill and cause a shutdown that effects everyone. 

 Construction debris

 Most of the time, construction debris is caused by tenants doing build outs of their floors. This causes a lot of dirt and dust. Just like trash, construction debris can get into the sill and cause problems. 

 Jumping on the elevator

 Don’t jump while riding an elevator! It can cause the safeties to trip which leads to a possible shut down.