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What To Do When the Elevator Is Not Working

In a shared building, elevators are used intensively every day. Sometimes a temporary malfunction can happen due to overload, a safety interruption, a door issue, or a technical defect.

When you notice that the elevator is not working correctly, please follow the steps below carefully. Clear and accurate information helps us solve problems faster and avoids unnecessary technical interventions, which may also generate avoidable costs for the building.

If You Notice the Elevator Is Not Working

1. Always Report the Problem to Your Landlord or Building Management

Even if you think somebody else may already have reported it, always send a short message yourself. Multiple reports help confirm the timing and seriousness of the issue.

Please do not assume the problem is already known.

2. Describe the Problem Clearly

When reporting the issue, include:

• What exactly is happening
• When you first noticed the problem
• Whether the elevator is completely out of service or behaving irregularly
• Any unusual sounds, smells, vibrations, or warning signals

Examples:

• “Elevator does not react when pressing buttons.”
• “Doors open but elevator does not move.”
• “Elevator stopped at the 2nd floor.”
• “Display is off.”
• “Elevator works going down but not up.”
• ….

The more precise your description, the easier it is for technicians to diagnose the issue quickly.

3. Test the Elevator From Another Floor

Before reporting a complete breakdown, please check whether:

• the elevator works from another floor,
• only one call button is affected,
• or the issue is limited to a specific level.

Sometimes the problem is caused by a single floor button, a door not fully closed, or a temporary safety interruption.

4. Check Whether the Lights and Buttons Are Working

Please verify:

• Is the light inside the elevator cabin working?
• Are the outside call buttons illuminated?
• Is the display screen active?
• Do buttons react when pressed?

This information helps determine whether the issue may be electrical or mechanical.

5. Mention Any Other Electrical Problems in the Building

If you notice additional problems such as:

• lights not working,
• power interruptions,
• tripped breakers,
• or electrical smells,

please mention this in your message as it may be related to the elevator malfunction.

6. If the Elevator Starts Working Again, Please Inform Us

Sometimes elevators reset automatically after a temporary interruption.

If the elevator later works again, a short update is always appreciated. This helps avoid unnecessary emergency interventions and allows us to follow recurring issues more accurately.

Important: Please Check Carefully Before Reporting

Elevator technicians are specialized contractors. Unnecessary technical visits are often charged to the building, even if no defect is found.

Therefore, please:

• verify the situation carefully,
• provide sufficient detail,
• and avoid vague messages such as “the elevator is broken” without further explanation.

Good communication helps keep maintenance efficient and costs under control for everyone in the building.

General Information About Using the Elevator

How the Light Curtain / Door Safety System Works

Modern elevators are equipped with safety sensors or a “light curtain” near the doors.

If something blocks the entrance:

• a person,
• a hand,
• bags,
• bicycles,
• moving objects,

the elevator will stop. If this happens, simply PUSH THE FLOOR BUTTEN AGAIN. The elevator should start moving again.

Please do not force the doors open manually.

Repeated obstruction of the doors may temporarily block the elevator or trigger a safety shutdown.

Never Use the Elevator During a Building Fire

In case of fire:

• always use the stairs,
• never use the elevator.

During a fire alarm or power interruption, the elevator may stop automatically or become unsafe.

What To Do If the Elevator Stops While You Are Inside

If the elevator stops unexpectedly:

1. Stay calm.
2. FIRST STEP = Push the button of the floor you want to reach again
3. Do not try to force the doors open.
4. Use the alarm or emergency button if available.
5. Contact the emergency number or building management.
6. Wait for assistance.

Elevators are equipped with multiple safety systems and do not “fall down.” There is nothing serious to worry, help is underway.

Respect the Maximum Number of People

Every elevator has a maximum:

• number of persons,
• and maximum weight limit.

Overloading may cause the elevator to stop or malfunction.

Please especially avoid:

• jumping inside the elevator,
• transporting too many people at once,
• or moving excessively while the elevator is operating.

Transport Restrictions

The elevator may not be used for transporting:

• furniture
• excessively heavy objects,
• construction debris,
• dangerous materials,
• leaking waste,
• or objects that can damage the cabin or doors.

When moving big items:

• protect walls and doors,
• avoid blocking doors,
• and use the elevator carefully.

Damage caused by misuse may be charged to the responsible tenant.