Affordable Housing Compliance Specialist
Position Title: Affordable Housing Compliance Specialist
Reports To: Affordable Housing Compliance Manager
Work Arrangement: On-site. Regular, in-person attendance at the employee’s assigned community, office, or other designated Company location is an essential function of this position. This position is not eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, except where otherwise required by applicable law or approved by the Company as a reasonable accommodation.
Position Summary
The Affordable Housing Compliance Specialist is responsible for the timely, accurate, and compliant administration of affordable housing program requirements across a multifamily portfolio. This role ensures that income certifications, recertifications, regulatory reporting, and third-party compliance submissions are completed accurately and within required deadlines.
This position plays a critical role in protecting the portfolio from regulatory risk, missed deadlines, and financial exposure. The Compliance Specialist must be highly organized, deadline-driven, and proactive in managing compliance calendars, documentation standards, and third-party approvals.
Core Responsibilities
Affordable Housing Compliance Administration
- Manage and track all initial certifications and annual recertifications to ensure 100% on-time completion.
- Review income certifications, supporting documentation, rent calculations, student eligibility, and unit designations for accuracy and compliance.
- Monitor income limits, rent limits, and utility allowance updates.
- Conduct detailed file audits to ensure files remain complete and audit-ready at all times.
- Identify deficiencies and ensure corrective actions are completed within established timelines.
- Maintain organized, compliant digital and physical resident files.
Third-Party Compliance Submissions
- Upload completed certification files and supporting documentation to third-party compliance platforms for review and approval.
- Monitor third-party review status and proactively follow up on outstanding submissions.
- Respond to file corrections or compliance findings issued by state agencies, investors, or syndicators.
- Ensure required corrections are completed and re-submitted within required timeframes.
- Maintain tracking of all third-party approvals and outstanding compliance items.
Deadline & Recertification Management
- Maintain a centralized compliance tracking system for all certification and reporting deadlines.
- Proactively communicate upcoming recertification due dates to on-site teams.
- Ensure documentation is collected well in advance of expiration dates.
- Escalate potential missed deadlines immediately to management.
- Ensure no lapse in certifications that could jeopardize regulatory compliance or funding.
Audit Preparation & Regulatory Readiness
- Assist in preparing properties for state agency, investor, lender, or HUD audits.
- Maintain files in a constant state of audit readiness.
- Support audit response documentation and corrective action plans.
- Stay informed of regulatory updates and implement changes promptly.
Fair Housing & Operational Compliance
- Support adherence to Fair Housing laws and company policies.
- Review leasing and occupancy practices for regulatory compliance.
- Provide guidance to on-site teams on proper documentation and procedures.
- Promote consistent compliance standards across the portfolio.
Training & Collaboration
- Provide coaching and support to site teams regarding documentation standards.
- Assist with compliance training initiatives.
- Partner with Operations and Asset Management to support portfolio-wide compliance goals.
- Promote accountability and accuracy throughout the organization.
Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Real Estate, Public Administration, or related field preferred.
- 2–4 years of experience in affordable housing compliance or property management.
- Working knowledge of LIHTC, HUD, HOME, Section 8, or other affordable housing programs preferred.
- Strong understanding of Fair Housing regulations.
- Proven ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
- Exceptional attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
- Strong organizational and follow-up skills.
- Experience using property management software and third-party compliance platforms.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Certifications
- COS (Certified Occupancy Specialist)
- HCCP (Housing Credit Certified Professional)
- Fair Housing Certification
Key Competencies
- Deadline-driven and highly organized
- Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills
- Accountable and proactive
- Risk-aware and regulatory-focused
- Strong follow-up and escalation skills
- Professional and collaborative communication