Need ideas to remote disable a 2 post lift.

[infinkc]

I have a lift at my property that the renters have used in the past but tend to not clean up after themselves. I removed the lift arms from the lift as a consequence.

I am looking for a way to remotely disable the lift as I am not at the property often. There are times that someone may want to use it with my permission. Just hate to keep lugging the arms off of it.

I do have internet/wifi there so thinking some type of electrical disconnect?

It’s 240v.

Thanks!

 

[scooby074]

A disconnect with a padlock.

 

[mepstein]

Easy to remove the padlock with a $20 angle grinder. I would remove the circuit breaker and replace with a dummy breaker. It’s not remote but a lot easier to get up and running

 

[rlitman]

There are all sorts of WiFi based IoT relays you could use to control a contactor that could disable a 240V load.

 

[Walkers]

A key switch would be the easiest.

 

[Firebrick43]

Easy to remove the padlock with a $20 angle grinder. I would remove the circuit breaker and replace with a dummy breaker. It’s not remote but a lot easier to get up and running

And that is when you have the renters evicted.

 

[CraigStu]

I once installed a 240V contactor to control a post in our 2nd drive that the previous owner had put a 240V and 120V outlet box on for his RV. The contactor switched the 240V feed to the post and was controlled by a standard 120V wall switch. I see many remote controls that turn lights etc on and off via a cell phone app. So I have to think you can control a contactor the same way. The contactors are available in various amp ratings and also in normally on or normally off versions. I got the normally off type so the only time it used any 120V current (only a couple of amps) was when we wanted the power on out there. My experience was you need to do your research. Contactors are usually available in electrical supply stores and, at least the one I went to, they have no interest in helping a civilian who is not an electrical installer.

 

[Spud McGee]

And that is when you have the renters evicted.

Yep. If you have to worry about them cutting the lock off something, they don't need to be there. You shouldn't even need the lock. If you can't tell them not to use it, and then trust them to not use it, then they need to go.

Every suggestion to disable it will be able to be bypassed by somebody determined. Its 240v. If you do anything to disable the power to it, they can easily run a drop cord to 2 separate 120v outlets to create a 240 cable.

You could also run a bicycle lock through the lift. There are holes in the posts and carriage. But again, if they are determined to use it, they can cut the lock.

What you've done, remove some part of it and take it with you, is about the only way to keep them from using it. Figure out a piece you can take off that they can't easily replace. Hell, take the nuts off the anchors when the lift is not in use.

 

[mikedodge]

Do the disconnect route. Why waste more money then that. I agree with the last reply. if you have to worry about them cutting the lock off then you probably shouldn't have them as renters.

 

[uscarry45]

A disconnect with a padlock.

Do this with a lock box for the key or a combination padlock

OR possibly a hidden electrical switch?

 

[nadogail]

Add house rules in your lease regarding the lift. Add that a violation of the house rules is cause for immediate eviction.

I will not rent to anyone who has no respect for me and the property.

 

[Firebrick43]

Scobby's idea of a lockout is a good idea no matter what.

Yes the tenant should not mess with the lift. But maybe one of the kids is playing or a friend/friend of a friend comes over when they are not home. These are not excuses, its what happens in real life. If one of them seriously injures themselves, guess who gets sued.

Now if they cut the lock on a piece of equipment that is locked out AND forbidden to use, it makes it much harder for a jury to award damages. It makes it much harder for the tenant to fight eviction. That is except in the left coast states where they have lost their collective minds and award damages to criminals that hurt themselves all the time in the commission of crimes.

 

[rockettauto]

Well most places when you lease a property it includes the whole premises, which is all the grounds and facilities.

You don't get to just disable the dishwasher or hot tub at will or lock a tenant out of the garage because it wasn't clean enough and a lift wouldn't be viewed any different.

Legally I think by and large your options are to not have it there when the lease is signed to begin with or to seek termination of the lease if they aren't caring for the property.

A lot of places even if it were locked out in the first place would view this as you storing personal property on the premisses which is also usually a no no.

That aside, seems like an insurance nightmare and a **** landlord who shows up once in a blue moon and restricts access to facilities that are paid for.

Maybe there's a special circumstance here but....after the fact is usually not a good place to start.

Best bet is don't have it on the property before lease or deal with it the same as any other portion of the property.

Treating it as " by permission" is probably opening yourself up to legal recourse by the tenants. Since it's now personal property stored on a leased premises at best and denial of services at worst.

You're not a parent dishing out consequences here, you're a leaser of property.

 

[Monza Harry]

You can exclude anything you want, but it has to be in writing, usually at viewing, but definitely before closing/move-in, you can approach them at a lease renewal but if it wasn't included initially they may have a right to enforce a rate adjustment or straight refusal. You could give them notice of inspection and have the lift/garage deemed unsafe (not necessarily legit), but that comes with its own can of worms and would also come with a demand for rate adjustment which can/will affect future rent. Eviction here is messy and not always successful, many will just stop paying for the 60-120 days until the date of eviction and many will do thousands in damage. Best of Luck! Harry