Holiday tipping etiquette: who should you tip and how much?

The holiday season is usually filled with excitement about new beginnings and the rush to get everything done. There are many things that go into the holiday list, including decorations, food preparation, and gifts for your loved ones. The end of the year is also the perfect time to express gratitude towards the people you see daily – your building staff. 

Whether you live in a small co-op building or a large condo complex, people like the doorman, super, and maintenance staff help ensure your comfort and security. They handle day-to-day maintenance, accept packages and food deliveries, and keep an eye on vacant apartments. Although no one is obligated to tip, it is a common courtesy to thank the building workers for their service. 

There are many nuances that go into tipping, which could confuse those who recently moved into a new building or became homeowners. On average, renters are not expected to tip as much as homeowners. The size of the building, the length of your residency, different economic and social factors, such as pandemic and inflation, and quality of service also play a role in determining the tip amount.

There are different ways to calculate how much you should tip. Many holiday tipping guides suggest ranges that start at about $50-$100. If you are not sure how much you should tip, you might ask other residents for advice or use a tipping calculator. For example, Tip-o-Meter calculates the tip amount based on whether you rent or own the apartment, how long you have lived here, and your overall generosity. 

While there is no set deadline to give a holiday tip, most building workers prefer to receive their tip in a couple of weeks leading to Christmas. Some NYC buildings might have a tipping pool or offer their residents an opportunity to tip workers electronically. You could also write a check, but cash is preferred. A nice personal touch, such as a holiday card and a small gift, could also be a great addition to the tip.

Resources:

“Holiday Tipping Guide: How much to tip your doorman, super, porter, and other staff,” (Brick Underground, 2022)

“I’ve been a NYC doorman for 22 years. This is what I think about holiday tipping,” by Kelly Kreth (Brick Underground, 2022)

“Holiday Tipping Guide for Renters and Homeowners in NYC,” by Erika Riley (StreetEasy, 2022)

“How to Calculate a Holiday Tip for the Doorman,” by Ronda Kaysen (The New York Times, 2022)

“Here's how much you should tip this holiday season in New York City,” by Lauren Glassberg (ABC7 New York, 2022)