Leasing Specialist

Leasing Specialist

The Leasing Specialist is responsible for managing the full leasing cycle for Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority's (NRHA) affordable housing programs, including Low-Income Public Housing (LIPH), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), and Midrise units. Responsibilities include managing applicant waitlists, conducting eligibility screenings, showing units, executing leases, assisting with recertifications and interims as needed, maintaining a strong understanding of federal housing program regulations, eligibility requirements, and occupancy standards; and ensuring compliance with all applicable policies and regulations. The position plays a key role in maintaining occupancy levels and ensuring equal access to housing in accordance with Fair Housing and program-specific guidelines.

Additionally, this role is responsible for completing tenant certification in Procorem, the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) compliance platform used for LIHTC tenant data management.

Essential Functions

Waitlist Management: Pulls applicants from applicable program waitlists; manages applicant flow and selection in compliance with NRHA and HUD/IRS program requirements.

Application Processing and Support: Review and assess public housing and LIHTC applications for completeness and accuracy. Conduct initial eligibility screenings in accordance with NRHA, HUD, and IRS policies. Screens and routes calls; assists with Emergency Housing Requests; provides application support and general program information.

Eligibility Interviews & Verifications: Schedule and conduct detailed interviews with applicants to determine eligibility. Verify income, assets, criminal background, household composition, and other factors affecting program participation.

Income & Rent Calculation: Accurately performs utility allowances, rent amount, and income eligibility for LIPH, PBV, LIHTC, and Midrise programs in accordance with HUD and IRS requirements.

Unit Leasing & Placement: Coordinate placement of eligible applicants into available units. Show ready units to prospective residents. Prepare and execute lease documents and ensure understanding of tenant responsibilities and lease terms.

Orientation & Briefings: Plan, organize, and conduct public housing orientation sessions for new residents. Provide detailed information about program requirements, tenant rights and obligations, lease terms, Fair Housing protections and NRHA policies.

External Coordination: Works with landlords, service providers, and agencies to verify information, obtain referrals, and coordinate housing support services.

Documentation & Record-Keeping: Maintain up-to-date client records in both electronic and hard-copy formats. Ensure files are audit-ready and compliant with applicable standards. Maintains accurate leasing records in Yardi or other property management systems. Completes and submits required tenant certifications for LIHTC properties using Procorem, ensuring timely and accurate data entry in accordance with VHDA regulations.

Customer Service: Respond to applicant inquiries and provide professional, prompt support to clients throughout the leasing process. Troubleshoot and resolve application or placement issues.

Administrative Duties: Prepares correspondence, leasing reports on leasing activity, waitlist performance, and occupancy rate, memos, check requests, supply orders, and schedules meetings as needed.

Inspections & Home Visits: As needed, conduct home visits to verify applicant living conditions and assess readiness for tenancy in accordance with NRHA standards.

Policy Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to NRHA procedures and federal/state guidelines, including Fair Housing regulations and ADA requirements.

Performs other related work as required.

Performance Standards

• Pulls and processes applicants from the waitlist according to policy and regulatory requirements.
• Process and assess 100% of applications within required timelines.
• Conduct eligibility interviews within 5 business days of applicant contact.
• Achieve 98% accuracy in income and rent calculations.
• Assign units within 2 business days of availability.
• Respond to all client inquiries within 1 business day.
• Maintain complete and audit-ready client records with zero compliance issues.
• Submit all reports and documentation accurately and on time.
• Adhere to HUD, NRHA, and Fair Housing regulations with zero compliance violations.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in public administration, business, or related field preferred. At least 1–2 years of experience in affordable housing, property management, leasing, or related administrative support.

Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience necessary to obtain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Strong working knowledge of HUD, PBV, LIPH, LIHTC, and Fair Housing laws.

Rent Calculation Certification is required.

Certifications (Required within 6 months of hire):

• Occupancy Specialist Certification
• Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Specialist Certification
• Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP)
• Fair Housing Certification
• Notary Public certification (preferred or must be obtained within 6 months)

Special Requirements

• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Subject to a background check and reference verification prior to hire.
• Must maintain confidentiality and adhere to NRHA's code of conduct and ethics policies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of HUD, IRS Section 42, Fair Housing Act, and ADA regulations.
• Knowledge of Program Administrative Plan as it relates to admission and initial lease-up criterion as well as the Statement of Policy Governing Admissions to and Continued Occupancy in the federally-Aided Low-Income Public Housing Program and other relevant policies and procedures.
• Strong understanding of eligibility and compliance standards for LIPH, PBV, LIHTC, and Midrise units.
• Proficiency in Yardi or other property management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with applicant intake, eligibility processing, and unit assignment.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and communication skills. The jobholder must be able to deal effectively and courteously with the public, program participants, other employees, and others outside the organization.

• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Skill in analyzing financial and personal information to determine eligibility.
• Skill in managing human relations, particularly communication and persuasion skills. The jobholder must have the capacity to deal effectively with a wide variety of individuals, including those who exhibit skepticism or who do not cooperate with the jobholder.

• Oral and written communication skills to present and make comprehensible moderately complex information regarding organization operations, of which some information may be technical in nature; provide clear instructions; compose reports; and respond to questions on a variety of job-related matters.

• Capable of multitasking in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of HUD, PBV, LIPH, and LIHTC leasing requirements.
• Operational knowledge of NRHA organization, programs, policies, and practices.

• Ability to show and explain housing units, including midrise and multifamily layouts, to prospective residents.
• Commitment to equitable housing practices and compliance with Fair Housing laws.

Physical Requirements

Work is primarily performed in an office setting with regular travel to NRHA properties, including midrise communities, for unit showings, onsite leasing support, and occasional home visits. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, see, and hear, and is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee may occasionally need to lift or move up to 20 pounds. This position also requires depth, color, and texture perception to effectively evaluate and present housing units. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet operational or community outreach needs.

NRHA will consider equivalent substitutes for education and/or experience, provided that the candidate can demonstrate that he/she has obtained the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the job.

NRHA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. The compensation offer will be determined by the candidate's work history and skill set. Benefits include VRS retirement, medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; long-and short-term disability insurance; tuition reimbursement options; public service loan forgiveness, and much more.

Drug Free Workplace: NRHA maintains a drug free workplace.

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5%