Residential Leasing Agent

Mon Valley Initiative; Homestead (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Mon Valley Initiative is seeking a Leasing Specialist to implement regional housing development strategies through efficient leasing of affordable units. The role emphasizes meeting LIHTC/HOME funding requirements and supporting residents with quality housing options.

You will handle applications, coordinate voucher processes, conduct showings, and maintain accurate records in AppFolio while collaborating with Maintenance and Communications teams to keep information current across platforms.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• 5-7 years’ experience in property management, specifically LIHTC/HOME-funded properties.
• Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) required; Tax Credit Specialist preferred.
• Experience with Housing Choice Voucher program.

Responsibilities

• Lease residential units by processing applications that meet LIHTC/HOME/CDBG requirements and Tenant Selection Plan for each development.
• Use AppFolio to track tenant documentation, applications, and leasing reports; keep system accurate with unit photos and status.
• Coordinate with Maintenance on move-ins, inspections, and occupancy permitting; maintain turnover schedules.
• Conduct unit showings and open houses; work with Communications to ensure current unit information is posted online.
• Prepare lease packets, schedule signings, and document move-in inspections; coordinate with housing authorities for vouchers (HCV/RFTA).
• Maintain waiting lists for each development and provide denial communications when applicants do not qualify.

Skills

Leasing

Marketing

Customer service

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Education

Associate’s degree

COS Certification

Certified Tax Credit Specialist

Tools

AppFolio

Housing Authority paperwork

Job description

• To implement Mon Valley Initiative’s regional housing development strategy through excellent unit leasing, with an emphasis on meeting affordable housing leasing requirements.
• To support MVI’s mission to benefit low-to-moderate income residents with quality real estate options.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leasing residential rental units by collecting completed applications that meet the various funding and applicant requirements of each MVI development (ex: HOME/LIHTC/CDBG), including but not limited to: understand and apply the income requirements related to each unit in each development; follow the Tenant Selection Plan for each development;understand, explain, and collect all required back-up documentation for complete applications; provide completed application files to Compliance team for final approval and move-in date; conduct individual “showings” after an applicant has been approved by Compliance; prepare the lease packet, schedule signing, and conduct and document move-in inspection; coordinate with local housing authorities for applicants who have Housing Choice Vouchers, completing paperwork related to obtaining or porting the voucher (RFTA); coordinate initial housing authority unit inspections with Maintenance team; send appropriate denial communication for applicants who do not qualify; and properly maintain and manage a waiting-list as needed for each development.
• Proficiently utilize the Appfolio property management software to track tenant documentation and communication and prepare various leasing reports; ensure leasing status of all properties is accurate in the system, including attaching current unit and site photos.
• Participate in regular meetings with Property Maintenance and Tenant Relations colleagues to stay informed of any unit vacancy and turn-over schedules.
• Coordinate and communicate with the Maintenance team on upcoming move-ins to ensure occupancy permitting and other inspections are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Conduct unit-showings through general “open house” showing events in conjunction with Communications and Community Development teams.
• Work in close coordination with Communications team to take current photos of available units and ensure that MVI’s website, Appfolio, and PA Housing Search website all contain consistent and current information about units, rents and availability.
• In conjunction with Communications and Community Development teams, create and update marketing plans for each development on a quarterly basis and support the development and delivery of quarterly tenant newsletters
• Conducts all leasing activities according to the Fair Housing Act and other related non-discrimination practices.
• Participate in MVI team meetings and organizational events as assigned
• Complete a written review of job accomplishments and goals annually in conjunction with supervisor’s input and evaluation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Motivation for leasing/marketing
• Highly knowledgeable of affordable housing regulations, particularly with relevant funding requirements (LIHTC, HOME, CDBG) related to property leasing
• Highly organized and attention to detail, including proof-reading skills
• Basic math proficiency required
• Act 33/34 Clearances and Childline Clearance
• Participate in Fair Housing and other job-related trainings
• Working knowledge of database software (AppFolio) and office software –Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel
• Ability to manage multiple tasks; solve problems/issues and meet deadlines
• Able to handle emergency situations
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to cooperate well with a wide variety of people, local stakeholders, contractors, staff, etc.
• Strong and demonstrated leadership skills, including active listening and treating everyone in an equitable, unbiased manner
• Strive to develop new skills while maintaining present skills
• Share information and encourage learning among others
• Enthusiasm, innovation, optimism, persistence, patience and pragmatism

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Associate’s degree or equivalent experience preferred
• 5-7 years’ experience in property management, specifically with LIHTC-funded properties and HOME-funded properties
• Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) required and Certified Tax Credit Specialist preferred
• Experience with Housing Choice Voucher program

REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends
• Full-time access to a vehicle, valid driver’s license, and appropriate car insurance
• Position includes frequent standing, walking, verbal communications, including telephone contact, and travel between facilities.*

*The physical demands prescribed here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.