The Multiple Dwelling Law of 1926 says that the person who cleans a building with 13 apartments or more must live in, or within 200 feet of the building.  This person is usually a super. 

A super learns to do his job at training school and by working in the building. 

The people who live in the building pay rent or maintenance to a management company, who pays the super.

A super does cleaning and repairs.  A good super listens well, has patience, inspects the building carefully, returns calls quickly, doesn't watch the clock, and keeps learning new skills.

By law, a super's name, apt. #, and phone number must be posted in the building lobby.

Supers must be familiar with laws and programs for:

1. lead-based paint

2. carbon monoxide detectors

3. recycling

4. satellite dishes and antennas

5. water conservation

6. facades

7. tax assessments

8. back flow prevention devices

9. no smoking laws

Tools supers need are plumbing, cleaning, and electrical tools.

The hardest thing about being a super is keeping everyone satisfied.

A female can be a super, but there are not many known female supers.  A female super is a member of the Executive Committee of the Superintendents Technical Association.  About 40 years ago, a female super who was loved by everyone in her building was almost 90 years old and the owner of the building decided to let her go.  The tenants were so angry that they went on a rent strike until the owner changed his mind.  A female can do any super work that a man can do.  Supers' wives often do work in the building.

References:

1.    http://www.nycsta.org/superaskfaqs.htm

2.    “Super!” May 2006 newsletter of the Superintendents Technical Association, Inc.

3.    http://tenant.net NYS Multiple Dwelling Law

4.    http://www.lawstore.com 2006 NYC apartment mgt. checklist

5.    rkoral@citytech.cuny.edu email from Superintendents Technical Association Secretary-      Treasurer about women supers

6.    Interview with the super in my building