Affordable Housing Compliance Specialist

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