Compliance Specialist

Hawaiian Gardens Apartments is seeking an experienced, detail-driven Compliance Specialist to oversee and manage the full compliance function for our 264-unit HUD / Tax Credit / LIHTC property. This is a sole onsite compliance role and requires a seasoned professional who brings 6+ years of direct affordable housing compliance experience with deep knowledge of HUD, LIHTC, and other subsidy program requirements.

This role partners very closely with the corporate team, acting as the subject-matter expert and ensuring the property maintains full regulatory compliance, audit readiness, and accurate resident file management. The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and confident in operating independently while maintaining strong alignment and communication with corporate leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance Oversight & File Management

Serve as the onsite primary compliance authority for all HUD, LIHTC, Tax Credit, and additional layered program requirements.

Manage and complete monthly recertifications accurately and on time.

Conduct detailed reviews of applicant and resident files for eligibility, income verification, rent calculation, and required documentation.

Maintain complete and accurate compliance files following program regulations, internal policies, lender / investor requirements, and audit standards.

Prepare and upload all required documentation into compliance software systems (RealPage, Yardi, or equivalent).

Track and ensure timely follow-up for missing documents, verifications, or resident-provided information.

Regulatory & Program Compliance

Ensure full adherence to HUD regulations, LIHTC program rules, income limits, rent limits, occupancy standards, EIV requirements, and state housing agency guidelines.

Perform monthly EIV tasks (Income Verification Reports, Existing Tenant Searches, Identity Verification, etc.) and maintain logs according to HUD guidelines.

Monitor changes in regulations, best practices, and compliance updates; communicate impacts to corporate and onsite teams.

Prepare the community for all compliance reviews, audits, MORs, REAC / NSPIRE inspections, investor reviews, and agency file examinations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner closely with the Director of Compliance and Regional Manager to support occupancy goals and compliance accuracy.

Collaborate with the onsite Community Manager and Leasing Team to ensure accurate leasing workflows and full compliance in move-in / move-out processes.

Provide compliance guidance and direction to the onsite team, including corrective actions or documentation practices.

Reporting & Tracking

Maintain all compliance logs, recertification trackers, and regulatory reporting tools.

Assist Corporate with periodic reporting requests, quarterly submissions, and investor / lender compliance packages.

Track lease-up, renewals, recertification timelines, income / rent limit changes, and maintain compliance dashboards where applicable.

Resident Communication & Support

Communicate clearly with applicants and residents regarding eligibility, documentation needs, recertification deadlines, and program requirements.

Conduct resident appointments for interviews, verifications, signatures, and file completion.

Provide excellent customer service while upholding all regulatory and fair housing guidelines.

Qualifications & Experience

6+ years of affordable housing compliance experience required.

Deep knowledge of HUD 4350.3, LIHTC program rules, layered subsidy programs, fair housing laws, and state housing agency requirements.

Experience preparing for and supporting MORs, REAC / NSPIRE, investor, and state agency compliance audits.

Professional certifications strongly preferred (e.g., HCCP, TCS, COS, EIV Specialist, or equivalent).

Advanced understanding of income calculation, student rules, asset verification, rent limits, income limits, and tax credit compliance.

Experience working in RealPage, Yardi, or other compliance-related property management systems.

Strong communication, organization, and follow-through skills.

Ability to work independently on a high-volume, high-regulation property while maintaining strong partnership with corporate teams.

Key Competencies

High attention to detail

Deadline-oriented and highly organized

Strong analytical and review skills

Professional communication with residents, staff, and agencies

Sound judgment and ability to identify compliance risks early

Ability to operate independently with accountability and discretion

Customer-service driven while maintaining regulatory integrity

Schedule & Reporting

Full-time, onsite at Hawaiian Gardens Apartments.

Reports directly to the Community Manager with a strong dotted-line partnership to Corporate team, including Regional Manager and Director of Compliance

Occasional car travel may be necessary to support training, coverage needs, and compliance initiatives across LPM's portfolio.