I rent a townhouse with a narrow set of stairs. I did get permission to install a stairlift when I moved in six years ago. (Yes, around here we interchange "chairlift" and "stairlift," with stairlift being more popular.) I had to get a smaller stairlift, a Bruno, to fit into the space. I use it now about 90% of the time. A key for me is maintaining the stairlift. The original stairlift at the time (2014) cost $1680. I could have rented the stairlift, but in 2.5 years, I would have covered the same amount needed to buy it outright. It took a few quick visits by the medical store from which I purchased it to set the chair properly for the uneven steps. I have had it serviced routinely about once a year. I needed an electrical outlet to be installed at the top of the stairs, and I needed a new battery around year four. Right now, my lift has been a bit cranky when I hit the toggle switch to go up and down the stairs. ( Currently the wiring within the arms of the chair is being replaced. I was given a replacement chair to" ride the rails" until the electrical part is replaced.) This issue will cost about $500.
With the lift I was able to rent a place where I wanted/ needed to be ( to care for dad with a stroke and now mom who is legally blind). I am able to bring items up and down the stairs without difficulty. If my stairs were wider, stairs would not really be blocked much at all.
My biggest problem has been that the medical store from which I bought the stairlift went out of business. Closest repair place is 70 miles away. However, the man who sold me the chair and oversaw its installation, now services what he sold to several of us in my area.
If you can, try several chairs to determine which is comfortable. Also make sure that when you make the decision that you have potential supplier come to your home to determine that what you want will fit the landing at top and bottom of stairs. The measurement and installation do not take long. I had lived on one floor, but my family's situation required that I move. I am happy with what I have. Like a car, though, it needs routine maintenance and sometimes some slighter bigger repairs. But don't let that scare you if you want to stay in your home. Like bars in the shower or higher toilets, there are devices for those of us who want to stay in our homes or move to various locations. Good luck to you.
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