We bet you can guess where they’re usually found.
A doorman is an employee of a building’s management tasked with manning the entrance to a large building — usually, a building with many residential units inside.
A doorman is occasionally only responsible for manning the entrance, especially in larger buildings, but often takes on other similar duties, too.
What are the responsibilities of a doorman?
A doorman stands at the door, but what exactly do they do there? A doorman’s responsibilities overlap slightly with those of a concierge but don’t range as broadly. Primarily, a doorman should monitor the traffic into and out of the building, ensuring that no one comes inside without permission or a reason to be visiting.
A doorman can also help you receive packages, even if you’re not home at the time it’s delivered. Lastly, a doorman will usually open the door for you when you arrive — both for the building and for the vehicle you arrive in. This may seem like a small thing, but when you arrive home with your hands full, you’ll likely be quite thankful.
Pros and cons of having a doorman
As with any luxury service, there are some downsides to living in an apartment with a doorman.
Pros of a doorman
- Makes your home feel more luxurious and welcoming
- Keeps your home safer
- Frees your schedule when expecting deliveries
Cons of a doorman
- Additional costs
- No way to maintain privacy for you and guests
- Opportunity for gossip among neighbors
How to find an apartment with a doorman
Finding an apartment with a doorman is pretty straightforward, especially if you live in a larger city where an apartment doorman is common.
Using the same website you’d usually use to find apartments for rent, you’ll likely come across apartments with “doorman” listed as a feature or amenity of the apartment.
Additional resources