Dear Ms. Demeanor: How should I thank my building staff for helping while I'm away?

By Jamie Lauren Sutton | July 26, 2013 - 1:14PM

Dear Ms. Demeanor,

I'm going to be away for a week and want some of the building staff to water my plants and collect my mail. Is that fair to ask? Should I pay them or give a gift? If paying is more appropriate, how much should I give them?

Sincerely,

Bonnie Voyage

Dear Bonnie,

I think it is perfectly acceptable to ask the building staff to water your plants. It is one of the many joys of living in NYC! Cash is king. I think $20- $40 (the range depends on the number of plants you have and/or how high maintenance they are) is perfect and perfectly lovely.

Ain't no sunshine when you're gone,

Ms. Demeanor

Ms. Demeanor is channeled by a longtime Manhattan vertical dweller and real-estate voyeur who writes under the pen name Jamie Lauren Sutton. She is here to commiserate, calm and correct. Please email your quandaries to [email protected] and put "Dear Ms. Demeanor" in the subject line.

See all of Ms. Demeanor's advice here

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