Occupancy & Compliance Specialist

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Overview

The Occupancy & Compliance Specialist is responsible for supporting the day-to-day leasing, occupancy, and compliance operations of affordable housing communities. This position ensures that all leasing activities, tenant certifications, recertifications, and resident files are completed accurately and in compliance with LIHTC, HUD, HOME, HPD, NYCHA, Section 8, and other applicable affordable housing regulations.

The Occupancy & Compliance Specialist works closely with the Head of Property Management, the Property Management team, and On-Site Property Managers to support leasing, occupancy, and compliance functions. This role is responsible for maintaining regulatory compliance, providing exceptional customer service to residents and applicants, and ensuring that all tenant records remain complete, accurate, and audit-ready. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, and compliance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Process rental applications, conduct applicant interviews, prepare lease documents, coordinate move-ins, and process move-outs.
• Follow established procedures for move-ins, move-outs, and apartment transfers in accordance with affordable housing regulations, including HUD, LIHTC, and HPD requirements.
• Collect, review, and maintain all documentation required for new leases and lease renewals.
• Work closely with the Head of Property Management to complete initial certifications, tenant income verifications, annual recertifications, and timely lease renewals.
• Review and verify household income, tax credit eligibility, student status, and occupancy requirements for applicants and current residents.
• Maintain resident files and property management documentation in complete, accurate, and audit-ready condition.
• Serve as the liaison with NYCHA and HPD regarding Section 8 and other rental subsidy programs.
• Maintain and update applicant waitlists while accurately documenting all applicant and resident interactions using the company's waitlist tracking system.
• Prepare, issue, and track denial letters, eligibility determinations, and other applicant correspondence.
• Coordinate and manage the annual tenant recertification process for LIHTC and other affordable housing programs.
• Gather and verify documentation required for Annual Income Recertifications and Annual Student Status Recertifications.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and company affordable housing policies and procedures.
• Collaborate effectively with the Property Management team, On-Site Property Managers, and other departments to support efficient property operations.
• Provide professional and responsive customer service to residents, applicants, and external agencies.
• Perform additional duties, projects, and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Experience working with affordable housing programs, including HUD, LIHTC, and HOME.
• Knowledge of affordable housing compliance requirements, tenant certifications, and recertifications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person