Gondnokok

Gondnokok are caretakers or janitors in Hungarian-speaking contexts. The singular gondnok refers to a person entrusted with the care, maintenance, and supervision of a building or property, while gondnokok denotes the plural.

Typical duties include cleaning and maintaining common areas, performing light repairs, inspecting safety and heating systems, coordinating repairs with external contractors, enforcing building rules, and handling routine administrative tasks such as accounting for shared charges and utilities. In residential settings, the gondnok often works to ensure the smooth operation of the building and the comfort of residents, reporting major issues to a property manager or homeowners’ association.

Common workplaces are residential buildings such as társasház (condominiums) and bérház (rental buildings), as well as schools, churches, offices, and hotels. There are specialized forms as well, such as temetőgondnok, a cemetery caretaker, who oversees grounds and related maintenance.

Employment arrangements vary. Gondnokok are usually employed by the property owner or by the homeowners’ association and may report to a közös képviselő (common representative) or a property manager. In smaller communities or buildings, the role may be part-time or volunteer.

Etymology and usage: gondnok derives from the root meaning care or concern, with an agent-forming suffix indicating a person who performs the action. The term reflects a long-standing practical role in Hungarian property management and communal life. Related terms in English include caretaker, janitor, and building manager.