Traditionally, the holidays are a time to show our appreciation to those near and dear to us with thoughtful gifts. For renters, holiday tipping is an excellent way to express gratitude and establish good relationships with the apartment staff who have served us diligently throughout the year.
If you dwell in an apartment complex, you may have a few extra individuals to add to your holiday tipping list this holiday season. Doormen, maintenance workers, cleaning staff, and property managers are the people who work daily to ensure that your apartment is comfortable, clean, and habitable. Make their holiday season bright by giving a monetary gift of thanks.
To help you determine when and how much to tip your building staff, we’ve put together the complete renter’s holiday tipping guide.
Factors to consider when holiday tipping
Here are some factors to consider that can help you determine how much to tip the staff in your apartment building:
Your budget
You need to consider your budget when it comes to holiday tipping. While it feels great to give out generous tips and receive appreciative smiles in return, your tips should always spend within your financial means. If you’re on a tight budget, words are also a great way to express your gratitude. Consider giving a thoughtful note or holiday card to show your thanks for the services provided.
Your relationship with the apartment staff
If you’ve lived in your apartment for more than a year, chances are you’ve already built a rapport with the staff. Based on these personal relationships, you might want to give these individuals a little extra during the holidays. If a member of the staff has always gone above and beyond to make your rental experience better, consider increasing your budget to accommodate for a larger tip.
Do you tip regularly?
If you’re a big tipper at the time of service, you can forego an end-of-year tip or verbally express your gratitude. You may also opt to give a simple gift instead.
How long have you lived in the building?
If you’re a new apartment renter, your holiday tips will most likely be different from a tenant who has been living in the apartment for years. You may not be as familiar with the staff, or have had the chance to have many interactions since moving into the building. Consider the holiday season as an opportunity to introduce yourself to members of the building staff and offer a holiday card or sweet treat as a way to say “hello” and thank them for future service.
The quality of the service
This is a holiday tipping rule of thumb that you should observe year-round. It’s important to recognize quality service, especially if there’s someone who always goes the extra mile with their duties. For example, if the doorman always hails a taxi for you, or the maintenance person has put in extra work to improve the quality of your unit, feel free to be extra generous if your budget allows.
Location
The cost of living varies from state to state, which affects the amount you tip. Considering the increase in costs for certain areas can help you adjust your tip to an appropriate amount for each recipient.
Who to tip over the holidays and how much
- Doorman: Doormen make your everyday life better by opening the door when your hands are full, giving you a warm greeting after a long day, and much more. A yearly tip of $20 to $100 during the holiday season is enough to say thank you for a job well done.
- Maintenance staff: When your unit is in need of maintenance, it’s essential to have dependable workers who come to your aid. Tipping these staff members shows your gratitude for their repair work to your apartment. It’s fitting to give them a little extra ($10 to $25) during the holidays when there’s a messy or challenging repair or otherwise inconvenient house call.
- Superintendent: If you’ve got a helpful handyman and attentive super (oftentimes it’s the same person), you understand how valuable this person can be, particularly if they’ve assisted you with a significant apartment-related problem. Suggested holiday tip: $20 to $50, depending on how responsive and helpful your super has been this year.
- Apartment cleaning staff: These workers have hard and, at times, unpleasant tasks. They are responsible for keeping your building looking its best. Thank them for doing their part to keep hallways and common spaces clean. On average, gift them a tip of $20 to $30 this holiday season.
When to leave holiday tips
The ideal time for you to tip apartment staff is between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but you can still tip after the New Year if your budget is tight with other holiday expenses. Making your apartment staff feel appreciated fosters a great relationship between you and the workers who make your apartment building and unit so special. Establishing this relationship can make it easier to get prompt assistance should you ever need their help to make your living experience better down the line.
Remember, the idea is to spread appreciation and good cheer during the holiday season, not to place added pressure. Budget accordingly and carefully consider who to tip and how much you think is reasonable. Give the gift of gratuity this holiday season by tipping your apartment staff for their helpful services.
Contenu associé
