An apartment doorman is an employee of a building’s management tasked with holding down 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. Greeting tenants only scratches the surface of the services doormen offer. So, what is an apartment doorman, and what are their key responsibilities? You’ll find out here.
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 or security guard 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 doors for you when you arrive — both for the building and for the vehicle you arrive in.
Accepting packages and opening doors may seem like small things but when you arrive home with your hands full, literally and figuratively, you’ll likely be quite thankful.
Pros and cons of having an apartment doorman
Having a doorman has several benefits. Firstly, it provides an extra layer of security as the doorman is responsible for screening visitors and ensuring that only authorized individuals enter the building. This helps to reduce the risk of theft, break-ins and other security-related incidents.
Secondly, the doorman can also assist residents with various tasks, such as accepting deliveries, providing information about the city, and booking a taxi.
Thirdly, the doorman can also help to create a sense of community within the building by greeting residents when opening doors, facilitating social events and maintaining common areas. Having a doorman can add to the prestige and perceived value of the building, making it more attractive to prospective renters.
Pros of a doorman building
- Makes your home feel more luxurious and welcoming
- Keeps your home safer
- Frees your schedule when expecting deliveries
While having a doorman has many benefits, it also has some drawbacks. Firstly, the cost of having a doorman is often reflected in the monthly rent or maintenance fees, which can be expensive for some residents.
Secondly, the doorman may not be available 24/7, which can be inconvenient for residents who need assistance outside of regular business hours. The doorman may also not always be able to provide personalized attention to residents, especially if they are responsible for a large number of apartments. While having a doorman can offer many benefits, it’s important to consider these drawbacks before making a decision.
Cons of a doorman
- Additional costs
- No way to maintain privacy for you and your guests
- Opportunity for gossip among neighbors
How to find an apartment building with a doorman
Finding an apartment building 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 a “doorman” listed as a feature or amenity of the apartment.