Tipping maintenance workers?

August 4, 2008 10:13 AM

Tipping maintenance work?

We've recently moved into a large apartment complex, where there's on-site, salaried maintenance staff that handles most repairs. We had a lot of trouble when we first moved in, and the guy who fixed everything was really prompt and helpful. For instance, he came in at 1 AM on our first night to fix a leak in the bathroom ceiling.

Since then, we've had a few smaller issues, and though he's promised to deal with them, he's failed to follow through for weeks at a time. He's unfailingly polite, but I'm wondering if maybe we were supposed to tip and he's giving us the cold-service-shoulder in hopes that we'll get the message.

So: is it expected that one tip maintenance workers for each job (I know that Christmas gifts are expected) and if so, how much? Or should I simply call the building management and complain?

posted by anotherpanacea to human relations (1 comment total)

Speaking as a maintenance guy (For an office building, not residential), no. It's his job to be available and fix things. However, it is possible that he's swamped with work; I would suggest speaking to other tenants to see if he has a reputation for slacking before contacting management.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 10:23 AM on August 4, 2008