How Much Should You Tip Your Building Staff? A Straightforward Guide From a NYC Broker

Every November and December, at least five clients ask me the same question:

“What am I supposed to give the building staff as holiday tips? What’s normal?”

There’s no official rulebook, but there are clear norms. And getting this right matters. These are the people who take your packages, buzz in your guests, fix your leaks, keep the lobby clean, and quietly prevent a dozen little crises you never see.

Here’s a simple, no-nonsense guide you can use for yourself—or forward to anyone who’s asking.

Step One: How to Think About Tipping (Before You Touch the Numbers)

Before you start calculating, use this mindset:

1. Set a Total Budget, Then Work Backwards

Start with a total number you’re comfortable with, then divide it among the staff.

A common rule of thumb in full-service buildings is:

• Around half to one month of maintenance/common charges
  as a total “holiday tipping pool.”

From there, you allocate based on:

• How often you interact with each person
• Seniority (super vs. porter)
• How long you’ve lived there
• Who went “above and beyond” for you this year

2. Cash in an Envelope Is Still the Gold Standard

You don’t need to overthink the presentation.

• Cash in a small envelope
• A short handwritten note:
• “Thank you for everything this year.”
• “We really appreciate all your help.”

That alone makes a big difference. People remember who remembers them.

3. Consistency Beats Perfection

You don’t have to hit the “perfect” number. What matters more:

• You tip every year
• You’re reasonably in line with the building

Staff talk. They notice who is consistently thoughtful. That goodwill comes back to you when you need help with a delivery, a leak, a last-minute favor.

4. Check If Your Building Pools Tips

Some co-ops and condos distribute tips through:

• The board
• The managing agent
• A central holiday fund

Before you start stuffing envelopes, ask:

“Do residents usually tip everyone individually, or is there a building pool that gets distributed to staff?”

Follow the building culture if there is one.

Step Two: Typical Holiday Tip Ranges (By Role)

None of this is law. Think of these as normal NYC ranges that you adjust up or down.

Doormen / Concierge

Typical range:

• $75–$200 per doorman

In higher-end or heavy-use situations:

• $200–$400+ per doorman
  is common for larger apartments or very service-heavy relationships.

You might tip more if:

• They handle a lot of packages and deliveries
• They regularly help with cabs, guests, or kids
• They’ve been there for years and you know them well

You might tip less if:

• You just moved in
• You rarely use building services

Superintendent / Resident Manager

Typical range:

• $100–$250

Higher end:

• $250–$500+
  if they’ve done major work, handled emergencies, or are constantly helping in your unit.

If this is the person who shows up every time there’s a leak, a broken AC, or a late-night “something’s wrong with the pipes” situation—go toward the top of the range.

Porters & Handymen

Typical range:

• $40–$100 each

These are the people who:

• Take out the trash and recycling
• Clean common areas
• Keep the building functioning behind the scenes

They’re often the most under-tipped group and the easiest to overlook. Don’t.

Garage Staff (If You Park in the Building)

Typical range:

• $50–$100 per attendant
  if you park there regularly.

Tip more if they:

• Always have your car ready
• Help with chargers or special requests
• Go out of their way for you

Building Manager / Security (If Separate From Above)

If there’s a separate on-site manager or security team:

• Building manager: $100–$250, depending on involvement
• Security guard(s): $50–$150 each, depending on how often you see and rely on them

Step Three: A Simple Formula You Can Copy

Here’s an easy framework to use or share.

1. Count the Staff and Set a Rough Budget

Example: Your building has:

• 3 doormen
• 1 super
• 2 porters
• 1 handyman

That’s 7 people.

If you decide on, say, $1,200 total, you now distribute that across those seven based on interaction and importance.

2. Rank by Impact

Ask yourself:

• Who do I see every day?
• Who helped me the most this year?
• Who saved me during a crisis—flood, leak, repair?
• Who’s been here for years and knows my family?

Those people get the bigger envelopes.

3. Divide Into Tiers

For a typical full-service building, something like this often works:

• Heavy daily contact
• Doormen: $150–$250 each
• Emergency / operations
• Super: $200–$300
• Support / cleaning / behind the scenes
• Porters & handymen: $50–$80 each

That’s a starting point. You slide up or down based on how generous you want to be and how much you use them.

4. Add a Personal Note

Even one sentence makes it human:

• “Thank you for always taking care of us this year.”
• “We really appreciate your help with all the packages and deliveries.”
• “You make living in this building a lot easier—thank you.”

People remember that.

Step Four: Special Situations & How to Adjust

A. New Owner (First Year in the Building)

If you just moved in, nobody is expecting you to be the top tipper in the building.

Reasonable ranges:

• Doormen: $75–$125 each
• Super: $100–$150
• Porters/handymen: $30–$60 each

Think of it as a “hello and thank you,” not a lifetime performanc.

B. Long-Time Owner (Many Years)

If you’ve been there 5, 10, 20 years:

• It may be time to nudge amounts up if you’ve been static for a while.
• Example: If you’ve tipped $100 per doorman for years, you might move to $150–$200 now.

You’re not required to outspend your neighbors, but staying roughly in line with inflation and their service is fair.

C. Seller Who’s Leaving Soon

If you’re selling and moving:

1. In contract / leaving soon but still in the building:
• You still want the staff on your side until you leave.
• Reasonable ranges:
• Doormen: $100–$150
• Super: $150–$200
• Porters: $50–$75
2. Already closed and moved out before the holidays:
• Classy move: leave envelopes before you go.
• Doesn’t have to be huge, but it leaves a good last impression with the staff and sometimes even the board.

D. Walk-Up / No-Doorman Buildings

If your building doesn’t have a doorman, this is simpler:

• Super:
• $75–$200, depending on how much they do for you personally.
• Porters/handymen (if any):
• $30–$75 each.

Quick Cheat Sheet

If you want the 10-second version you can screenshot, here it is:

Standard Full-Service Building (Per Person)

• Doormen / Concierge:
  $100–$200
• Super / Resident Manager:
  $150–$250
• Porters / Handymen:
  $50–$80

Higher-End / Heavy Service

• Doormen / Concierge:
  $200–$400+
• Super:
  $250–$500+
• Porters / Handymen:
  $75–$100+

Again, use these as guidelines, not commandments. The “right” number is a mix of what’s normal for your building, what feels good to you, and how much these people actually help you day-to-day.

Final Word

There’s no perfect formula, but there is a clear principle:

Tip thoughtfully, tip consistently, and recognize the people who make your life easier all year.

If you want help mapping out a specific tipping plan for your particular building—number of staff, services, price point—I’m happy to walk you through it.