LEASING AGENT (Affordable Housing)

Leasing Agent (Affordable Housing)

The Leasing Agent will be responsible for carrying-out leasing for affordable housing for low and moderate-income families, which includes completing the essential work of applicant screening, verifications, home inspections, and all other leasing-related functions for Bickerdikes rental housing, as well as maintaining the lowest vacancy rates possible. In all instances the Leasing Agent will perform duties in accordance with and be committed to the Bickerdike mission.

The position requires the ability to plan, organize, and execute tasks; analyze information, make informed decisions, use critical thinking and reasoning skills, and monitor and regulate behavior and emotions. A high level of Customer Service skills is required.

Responsibilities:

1. Under the direction of the Leasing Manager, maintain and carry-out the application and leasing process for persons seeking rental/coop housing including, but not limited to: screening applicants for vacant units based on predetermined tenant selection criteria, preparing eligible cases to be presented to the tenant selection and appeals committees, marketing, showing apartments, and preparing leases.
2. Ensure completion of all required items and documentation related to the applicant screening process including but not limited to landlord verifications, home visits, income certifications, credit and criminal background checks, carrying out diligent follow up with all relevant individuals/entities as required.
3. Ensure that all policies and procedures related to leasing are adhered to and ensure that all applicant files are reviewed by the Leasing Manager prior to submission to the Appeals Committee and that all resident leases are reviewed by the Leasing Manager prior to lease execution/signing.
4. Coordinate and carry out annual inspections and all required follow-up duties including taking warranted action such as filing work orders, billing, etc. in relation to tenant damages noted during annual inspections and/or re-inspection in cases of bad housekeeping or failed inspections.
5. Coordinate and carryout all duties related to assigned waiting lists, in coordination with the Waitlist Coordinator and Leasing Manager, including but not limited to: maintaining accurate and up to date status information, ongoing tracking of move-ins, move outs and transfers, all aspects of the annual updating process and all duties related to wait list re-openings.
6. Prepare and submit to Leasing Manager all required reporting to owners, governmental agencies, funding agencies and others as appropriate prior to due dates.
7. Maintain and utilize established electronic and paper record keeping systems and documents in accordance with internal protocol, HUD, IHDA, tax credit and other regulatory guidelines and requirements including but not limited to tenant files, rent rolls, annual inspections, required recertification forms, and Class 9 forms.
8. Staff the Appeals Committee and other committee meetings as appropriate.
9. Report tenant problems/concerns/complaints to the Leasing Manager.
10. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable persons with disabilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stand walk, climb and lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Notable physical requirements include:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer; standing and walking, giving tours, and meeting with potential tenants.
• The ability to traverse a variety of properties with stairs and in a variety of weather.
• The ability to operate a vehicle as well as to work weekends and/or evenings on a needed basis

Qualifications:

Minimum of 3 years of related Leasing experience. High school diploma or equivalent required. Must have or be willing to obtain Leasing Agent License. Bilingual English/Spanish a plus. Low Income Housing Tax Credit experience needed. Good communication, writing, computer and executive functioning skills necessary. Must be able to work with persons of various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Willing to work flexible hours. Must have access to car, valid drivers license and proof of insurance for work in field. Chicago northside residents within the communities we serve, preferred.

Reporting Relations: Under the general supervision of the Leasing Manager. In the absence of this supervisor, shall report to the Vice President of Property Management, or as assigned.

Position Classification: Full Time; Non-Exempt

Benefits: Bickerdike provides a comprehensive Benefits package that includes:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• 401K Matching
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-Term and Short-Term Disability

Bickerdike is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace

Monday - Friday 9a - 5pm may include evening or weekend hours