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.