Compliance Specialist

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Compliance Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Compliance Specialist safeguards the integrity of the portfolio's leasing and resident file operations, ensuring every application, lease, and recertification meets federal, state, and local housing regulations before and after move-in. This role audits resident files and property databases, keeps the organization ahead of Fair Housing, landlord-tenant, and affordable housing program requirements (including LIHTC, Section 8, or HOME where applicable), and helps prepare properties for external agency and investor reviews. The Compliance Specialist also serves as a go-to compliance resource for leasing and management teams, guiding staff on correct documentation and monitoring delinquency and notice timelines to keep them within statutory requirements. Success in this role requires strong regulatory knowledge, meticulous attention to detail, and the judgment to catch and correct errors that carry real legal and financial consequences when missed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Regulatory & Program Adherence

• Maintain expert knowledge of federal, state, and local housing regulations-including Fair Housing laws, landlord-tenant acts, and applicable affordable housing or tax credit compliance programs (such as LIHTC, Section 8, or HOME, if applicable).

Application & File Auditing

• Review incoming resident applications, income verifications, asset documentation, and tenant selection criteria to ensure complete accuracy and strict eligibility compliance prior to move-in.

Lease & Document Verification

• Audit executed lease agreements, addenda, and recertification paperwork to guarantee all necessary disclosures and legal requirements are properly met and archived.

Internal Quality Control

• Conduct regular internal audits of resident files and property databases (such as AppFolio) to identify discrepancies, correct errors promptly, and prepare properties for official external compliance inspections or agency reviews.

Staff Guidance & Training

• Serve as the primary resource for leasing and management teams regarding compliance questions, policy updates, and correct documentation procedures.

Delinquency & Notice Management

• Monitor compliance timelines for lease violations, notices to vacate, and legal notices, ensuring all documentation adheres strictly to statutory legal frameworks.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• Working knowledge of Fair Housing law and landlord-tenant regulations.
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to audit files for accuracy under deadline pressure.
• Proficiency with property management software (such as AppFolio, Yardi, or RealPage) and Microsoft Office.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to train and guide leasing and management staff.
• Direct experience with LIHTC, Section 8, HOME, or other affordable housing compliance programs.

Preferred

• Experience preparing properties for external compliance audits (state agency, HUD, or investor reviews).
• Experience training or mentoring leasing staff on compliance procedures.
• 2+ years of experience in affordable housing or multifamily compliance, file auditing, or a related property management role.