The Ministry of Development and Technology has presented a draft regulation to extend the mandatory installation of lifts also to existing residential buildings and public facilities. Until now, this requirement only applied to new developments. The draft was referred to the Government Legislation Centre on 13 June. The new regulations aim to improve accessibility of buildings for people with disabilities, seniors and other people with special needs. The introduction of the regulations is part of a broader state policy on universal design and the elimination of architectural barriers. Will lifts in blocks of flats become a common standard?
Lifts in blocks of flats: who will be covered by the new regulations?
The obligation to install lifts will apply to multi-family buildings where the top floor is at least five metres above the entrance level, i.e. approximately at the height of the third floor, and to public buildings and collective dwellings with a minimum of two storeys, excluding buildings located in enclosed areas. If the installation of a lift proves impossible for technical, structural or conservation reasons, other accessibility solutions such as ramps will be necessary. On the other hand, the obligation to install the device will only arise if substantial reconstruction or modernisation of the common parts of the building is carried out, which will create the technical conditions for the installation of the lift.
Scope of application of the new regulations
The proposed regulations will cover new developments as well as alterations, extensions and changes of use of existing properties. The obligation to install a lift will only apply to the part of the property that is covered by the construction work. If the modernisation is limited to one element, such as toilets or one storey, it will not be necessary to adapt the entire building to the new requirements. In public buildings, the obligation to install a lift will arise in the case of reconstruction involving circulation areas, such as entrances or staircases, if the technical conditions for such a solution exist. Buildings in which no building work is envisaged within the scope of the new regulations will not be covered by the new requirements and will continue to operate on the basis of the existing regulations.
Lifts in blocks of flats – costs and sources of funding
The costs associated with the installation of lifts will be borne by housing associations and cooperatives. It is estimated that around 3,500 entities will be affected by the new regulations. The amount of outlay will depend on, among other things, the construction of the building, the number of lift stops, its technical parameters and operating costs. However, funding sources will be available from the BGK Accessibility Fund and the State Fund for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities under the Equalisation of Regional Disparities Programme. The condition for support will be to improve the accessibility of at least two premises where people with mobility disabilities live.
Timetable of changes and objectives of the regulation
The new regulations are due to come into force on 20 September 2026. Subsequent phases of the regulations will apply from 31 December 2026 and 31 December 2029. The Ministry promises to monitor the implementation of the changes and ensure access to support programmes for communities and cooperatives. The draft regulation is a continuation of previous legislative actions, including the Accessibility Acts of 2018 and 2019. The aim is to gradually harmonise the technical requirements for existing buildings and implement them in practice.
Source: money.co.uk, businessinsider.co.uk
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