Handling accommodation requests isn’t optional — it’s Fair Housing. Here’s how to get it right every time. Introduction “A tenant asked if they can have a dog in our no-pets property. What do I do?” If you’ve worked in property management for any length of time, you’ve heard some version of this question. And the answer is not as simple as pointing to your pet policy. If the request is related to a disability, you may be looking at a reasonable accommodation request  — and ho

Before you finalize that certification, pause. Take one more look. Then double-check these five income sources that consistently slip through the cracks. Introduction Income calculation is the backbone of every certification. Get it right, and your file is audit ready. Miss something, and you're dealing with findings, corrective action plans, and potentially incorrect eligibility determinations. After reviewing files across Section 8, LIHTC, HOME, and Rural Development proper

Introduction It happens every recertification season: a tenant's income has gone up—sometimes way up—and now your compliance team is scrambling. Are they still eligible? Do they have to move? Can you still count the unit? The answer depends on how far over the limit they are, and whether you follow the right steps afterward. LIHTC has a specific framework for handling over-income tenants, anchored by the  140% rule  and the  Available Unit Rule . Get it right, and the unit st

Introduction The gross rent floor is one of LIHTC's most important protections for property owners—yet it's also one of the most misunderstood provisions in the program. In simple terms, the gross rent floor locks in a minimum level for your maximum allowable rents, protecting you from future income limit decreases that could otherwise squeeze your revenue. But the protection only works if you make the right election at the right time. Let's break it down. What Is the Gross R

Introduction "Can I just use the bank statement?" It's one of the most common questions I hear from site staff. And thanks to HOTMA (Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act), the answer just got a lot simpler for many households. HOTMA raised the asset threshold from $5,000 to $50,000 and introduced streamlined verification options—including the ability to use a single bank statement in many cases. But the rules still vary by program, and knowing when you can simplify v

Introduction Of all the income types we encounter in affordable housing, self-employment income causes the most confusion. Unlike W-2 wages with neat pay stubs and employer verifications, self-employment requires us to interpret tax returns, understand business expenses, and project future income. Let's break it down step by step. What Qualifies as Self-Employment Income? Self-employment income includes any earnings from work where the individual is not an employee. Common ex

Introduction After reviewing thousands of tenant files across Section 8, LIHTC, HOME, and Rural Development properties, I've noticed the same errors appearing again and again. These aren't complex regulatory misinterpretations—they're simple mistakes that can cost your property findings, corrective action plans, and in worst cases, recaptured credits. Here are the five file errors I see auditors' flag most frequently—and exactly how to prevent them. Missing or Expired Third-P

Introduction "Can students live in LIHTC housing?" I get this question constantly, and the answer is almost always: "It depends." The LIHTC student rule is one of the most misunderstood regulations in affordable housing. Some staff automatically reject any household with students. Others don't ask about student status at all. Both approaches create compliance problems. Let's clear up the confusion once and for all. The Basic Rule A household composed ENTIRELY of full-time stu