Tipping the property manager / super? (Arlington, Alexandria: apartment, renting, movers)

[Arjen]

What's the norm in Arlington/Alexandria/DC/MoCo? I'm about to move into a small garden apartment building in Arlington, and my mom just told me that I should tip the property manager at move-in (in addition to the movers, of course). I'm prepared to do that, but am not sure how much and how (so that it would not be awkward).

Is it expected at move-in and/or during the holidays? What do you guys do?

[scottfs]

I have never in my life heard of anyone doing that. What would the manager be doing to earn a tip?

[Carlingtonian]

I've lived in Manhattan, and while tipping building staff is the norm up there, it's unheard of down here. Even for front-desk staff (a.k.a. "doormen") in the DC region, there's no tipping.

It's crazy up there; people spend thousands every holiday season on tipping folks who they're already paying via already-high "maintenance" fees that are in themselves thousands of dollars.

I like our way better!

[zotmeister]

You are pouring in money for the move and the property manager is doing his/her job or nothing at all for your move....no tip is needed. If they help you with the move, then that is a different sotry

[Carlingtonian]

I hesitantly agree with Zotmeister--but only if he/she actually does something *out of the ordinary* for you--beyond the call of duty. Like if they actually lift boxes for you. Beyond that, no tip.

Let's all do our part to keep DC tip-free! (Waiters/waitresses excepted.)

[ny2dc]

Very interesting thread. I am moving to Tysons Corner from NY and tipping is the norm. Any guidlines for the area?

[zotmeister]

Originally Posted by Carlingtonian

I hesitantly agree with Zotmeister--but only if he/she actually does something *out of the ordinary* for you--beyond the call of duty. Like if they actually lift boxes for you. Beyond that, no tip.

Let's all do our part to keep DC tip-free! (Waiters/waitresses excepted.)

why hesistantly.....

[austindoxie1972]

I live in a mid-rise building in Tysons, with an assigned maintenance person who helps with moving. He's really just around to make sure the loading dock is ready, etc. However, on several occasions, he has removed boxes or packing materials after a furniture delivery, and I have given him a tip ($20). It saved me from walking it to the dumpster, etc.

In a garden-style apartment, you most likely won't have this kind of service. (I prefer garden-style condos, by the way!) I most definitely wouldn't tip the property manager. But if the maintenance guys go beyond the call of duty, that might be a different story.

[Arjen]

All right! Thank you all for saving me money and awkwardness. I - and my mom - are from NY, so that may have something to do with it. I grew up in my parents' house, so I never had experience renting an apartment in NY. She probably heard from her friends who do rent.

I'll probably send the property manager and/or the maintenance guys a gift basket or something at the holidays and leave it at that, unless they do more than what they're supposed to.

Thanks! and yes, I shouldn't start the trend if there isn't one...

[Denton56]

Don't send them a gift basket, just give them cash in a Christmas Card, like we do with mailmen, lawn people, cleaning people, trash collectors. Everyone prefers cash to gift baskets.