Columbus Property Management, a Member of Mission First Housing Group, is dedicated to developing and managing affordable, equitable, and sustainable housing solutions that strengthen communities. As part of Mission First Housing Group, we serve diverse populations including families, seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups through our extensive portfolio of affordable housing.
Job Summary
We are seeking a dynamic, detail-oriented Leasing Specialist to join our team! In this important role, you will serve as the first point of contact for prospective residents, guiding them through the leasing process with professionalism, enthusiasm, and care.
The Leasing Specialist supports occupancy goals across our affordable housing portfolio by managing the leasing process from initial inquiry through move-in. Key responsibilities include marketing available units, managing applicant pipelines and waiting lists, processing applications and eligibility documentation, coordinating required approvals, and preparing leasing documents. This position also ensures that all leasing activities comply with affordable housing program requirements, fair housing laws, and company policies.
Responsibilities
- Manage leasing for vacant affordable units from initial inquiry through approved move-in, maintaining an organized applicant pipeline and providing timely follow-up.
- Market available units through approved advertising, outreach partners, housing fairs, referral networks, and other occupancy strategies.
- Respond to prospective residents, conduct tours, explain application requirements, and provide accurate information regarding rent, utilities, deposits, amenities, and housing programs.
- Process applications, collect required documentation, and complete third-party verifications needed to determine affordable housing eligibility.
- Maintain waiting lists and applicant files in accordance with the Tenant Selection Plan, company policies, Fair Housing requirements, and applicable program regulations.
- Coordinate applicant screening, eligibility reviews, compliance approvals, and pre-leasing steps while promptly communicating missing information and application updates.
- Prepare leases, addenda, move-in documents, and required affordable housing forms; coordinate lease signings and ensure files are complete.
- Maintain accurate prospect, applicant, leasing, and move-in information in Yardi and ensure leasing files are complete and properly organized.
- Coordinate with Property Management and Maintenance teams regarding unit readiness, inspections, keys, and move-in scheduling.
- Track and report vacancies, applications, approvals, denials, conversions, move-ins, and barriers affecting occupancy.
- Ensure leasing practices comply with Fair Housing, LIHTC, HUD, HOME, PHA, PBV, PBRA, VASH, and other regulatory or funding requirements applicable to assigned properties.
- Perform other administrative duties and participate in special leasing, occupancy, and stabilization initiatives as assigned by management.
Skills
- Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, with the ability to guide prospective residents through the leasing process.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organization, time management, and follow-up abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple applicants, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
- Attention to detail when processing applications, reviewing documentation, and maintaining leasing files.
- Marketing and outreach skills, including promoting available units through advertising, community partners, housing fairs, and referral networks.
- Ability to conduct property tours and clearly explain rental rates, utilities, deposits, amenities, eligibility requirements, and housing programs.
- Strong administrative, data-entry, recordkeeping, and reporting skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with Property Management, Maintenance, Compliance, and other internal teams.
- Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality when handling applicant and resident information.
Qualifications
- Experience in leasing, property management, affordable housing, customer service, or a related field.
- Knowledge of the leasing process from initial inquiry through approved move-in.
- Familiarity with affordable housing applications, eligibility documentation, applicant screening, third-party verifications, and waiting-list management.
- Working knowledge of Fair Housing requirements and affordable housing programs, including LIHTC, HUD, HOME, PHA, PBV, PBRA, and VASH.
- Experience preparing leases, addenda, move-in documents, and other required housing forms.
- Experience using Yardi or a similar property-management system.
- Ability to maintain accurate applicant, leasing, and move-in records.
- Ability to track and report vacancies, applications, approvals, denials, conversions, move-ins, and occupancy challenges.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to leasing, occupancy, and property-stabilization goals.
Join us in creating vibrant communities by connecting residents with quality homes! This role is ideal for motivated professionals passionate about property management and dedicated to delivering outstanding service. We value your expertise in leasing operations combined with your commitment to compliance and community well-being.
