Leasing Specialist

Nonprofit organization seeking Leasing Specialist for CHI's Patchogue office.  Must know Long Island and willing to travel.  Responsible for handling all aspects of leasing and rent collections for customers in Agency-Owned units in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, ensuring compliance with guidelines established by CHI, HUD SHP, HHAP, HOME, Suffolk and Nassau County Departments of Social Services, Nassau County OHIA, Section 8, and other funding sources or rental subsidy programs as appropriate.  The Leasing Specialist is also responsible for preventing loss of income to CHI through effective management of all leases and tenants' arrears.

 

Essential Functions:Knows and implements all relevant regulations and guidelines of funding and rental subsidy programs, including correct procedure for calculation of the tenant's share of rental payments as well as documentation required to verify information and establish eligibility of tenants according to appropriate requirements. Handles all processes related to the renting of apartments to tenants, including showing available rental units to prospective renters, calculating and negotiating rental amounts, completing and processing new lease paperwork, and explaining and reviewing items in leases with tenants, including lead-based paint disclosure.  Communicates and enforces all Lease Addendum Rules, mails out '90 day notices' for lease renewals or notices of non-renewal, and rental increases to all pertinent parties. Assists Property Management Services Manager as needed with rental permit inspections, and conducts quarterly inspections on Fair Market Rental units. Collects rents in a timely fashion from tenants through direct (in person) or indirect (mail or phone) means. Mails 'Rent Due' reminders and late notices, works with SHP staff to resolve rent collection issues and is solely responsible for Fair Market Rentals. Enters all rental information into Rent Right software in a timely fashion and maintains audit-ready tenants' leases files. Collects and keeps track of shelter contribution payments.  This may include direct interventions with tenants to ensure that they receive appropriate services and assistance necessary to maintain and retain their housing and meet their obligations to CHI. Sends out '30 day notices' and eviction notices, prepares letters regarding arrears to agencies for collection, acts as liaison between tenants and subsidizers regarding arrears, and documents arrears circumstances. Prepares all necessary paperwork and forwards to attorney to file for evictions.  Attends eviction hearings and court eviction proceedings when necessary. Completes monthly rent reports for Property Management Services Manager and for SHP and SST Program Manager regarding vacancy losses and rent rolls. Compiles data and assists in the preparation of four HHAP Annual Progress Reports, two HOME Annual Progress Reports, one Patchogue Bank Recertification, ETPA Recertification, and Babylon CAPER Annual Survey. Maintains complete and accurate customer leasing records. Assist tenants in obtaining assistance with rental arrears through DSS or FEMA.  Completing documentation.

 

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Proficiency in English required.  Bi-lingual (Spanish) is a plus.  Excellent Math skills. Proficiency in MS Windows, Word, Excel, and property management software.  Experience working in a related field which includes knowledge of Housing Quality Standards, housing codes, and regulations.  Valid driver's license.  Valid automobile insurance.

 

Ability to relate to the underserved, homeless, and disabled populations.  Ability to work independently or as part of a team, be highly organized, work well under pressure, meet deadlines, multitask, be flexible, and maintain a high level of attention to details.  Must have good negotiation skills.