Premier Training for the Affordable Housing Industry

 

Unlock the potential of your team with our expert-led affordable housing training. Tailored to your organization's needs, our training ensures compliance, maximizes efficiency, and empowers your staff to excel in the affordable housing market. Specializing in affordable housing, we provide the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate complex regulations and deliver exceptional service to your community.

Contact our Director of Training Mandi Lewis mlewis@zeffert.com to get more details on how we can provide private training for your company.

 

Mastering LIHTC Compliance w/ HCCP Exam

Dive into the complexities of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) compliance with this comprehensive course designed for property managers, developers, investors, and compliance professionals. Whether you're new to the field or looking to sharpen your skills, this class will guide you through the essentials of property compliance, tax credit fundamentals, and the nuances of qualifying households. With a blend of regulatory insights and practical applications, you'll emerge with the knowledge to maintain compliance and maximize the impact of affordable housing initiatives.

This class prepares you for the Housing Credit Certified Professional, “HCCP” designation exam. For virtual classes, students will schedule a date and time to take the class on their own time. If the class is in person, the HCCP exam will be proctored on day three. Click here to read more about the HCCP designation.

Day One: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

  • Introduction of property compliance
  • Defining Tax Credits
  • Development details
  • Credit calculation
  • The 8609, eligibility, and qualified basis
  • Set asides, including average income
  • Applicable fraction and credit percentages
  • Income and rent limits
  • Property acquisitions and rehabs
  • The vacant and next available unit rules
  • Fair Housing
  • Combining LIHTC with other programs

Day Two: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

  • Qualifying Households
  • Interviews and applications
  • Determining household size
  • Student status
  • Verification methods
  • Annual and asset income
  • Disposed of assets
  • Completing the TIC
  • Completing a Move-in
  • Re-certification

This class provides 14 hours of continuing education.

Fundamentals of LIHTC: Qualifying Households

This course is designed for professionals in the affordable housing industry, including property managers and compliance professionals who are looking to deepen their understanding of the LIHTC program's household qualification process. In this course, we will explore the essential procedures and regulations that govern the qualification of households for LIHTC properties. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the systematic approach required to ensure compliance with federal and state program requirements. Key topics will include:

  • Introduction of property compliance
  • Defining Tax Credits
  • Development details
  • Credit calculation
  • IRS form 8609
  • Set asides, including average income
  • Applicable fraction and credit percentages
  • Income and rent limits
  • Property acquisitions and rehabs
  • The vacant and next available unit rules
  • Fair Housing
  • Combining LIHTC with other programs

Through a combination of training, workshops, and interactive discussions, students will learn how to effectively apply these processes to certify and maintain qualified households within their LIHTC properties. By the end of this course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge to ensure their properties remain compliant and successful in providing affordable housing.

This class provides 7 hours of continuing education.

Average Income Minimum Set-aside

Join us for an in-depth three-hour session designed for professionals in the affordable housing industry, including compliance officers, property managers, and developers. This class will provide a comprehensive understanding of the Average Income Minimum Set-Aside (AI) under the Section 42 Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. We'll explore the intricacies of AI following the October 2022 federal guidance, which brought significant changes to the application of the test, unit designations, and compliance implications.

Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of AI, ensuring your properties meet the requirements while maximizing the benefits of the LIHTC program.

Agenda:

  • Welcome and Introduction
  • Introduction to the Average Income Minimum Set-Aside and its impact on affordable housing
  • Understanding the Average Income Test
  • Detailed explanation of the Average Income Minimum Set-Aside test
  • Review of unit designations and the available unit rule
  • Strategies for managing new move-ins and relocations to maintain compliance
  • Examination of qualified groups and how to satisfy the 'test' effectively

This class provides 3 hours of continuing education.

 

 

Mastering the Rural Development Program w/ HCM-R Exam

Embark on a comprehensive two-day journey to deepen your expertise in the USDA Rural Development “RD” Program, tailored for affordable housing professionals. This training is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools for success in the affordable housing industry. If you're passionate about providing quality housing and maintaining profitability, this workshop is for you.

Day One: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Overview of RD Program
  • HB-2-3560 and the 3560 regulations
  • Housing programs under Section 515
  • Family and elderly
  • Maintaining the property
  • Civil Rights and the AFHMP
  • Applications and the wait list
  • Required notices
  • Project occupancy requirements
  • Income and assets

Day Two: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

  • Allowable deductions from income
  • Determining rent
  • The re-certification process
  • Annual re-certifications
  • Household changes
  • Ineligible tenants
  • Lease requirements
  • Tenant warnings and terminations
  • HCM-R Examination

This class provides 10 hours of continuing education.

Fundamentals of Rural Development

Embark on a journey to understand the complexities of USDA rural development training, designed to provide a dive into the strategies and practices that enhance the quality of life and economic opportunities for rural communities. This course is tailored for professionals site managers in the affordable housing industry.

Participants will gain insights into the Rural Development housing programs, learning how to maintain and document ongoing compliance to ensure the sustainability of housing projects. The curriculum covers key references such as the HB-2-3560 Multi-family Housing Asset Management Handbook and HUD Handbook 4350.3, providing a solid foundation for understanding the regulatory framework and operational guidelines.

Through interactive sessions and expert-led discussions, students will explore the challenges and rewards of working in rural development. The course emphasizes the importance of effective site management, the nuances of application processes, and the significance of compliance in securing funding and support for affordable housing initiatives.

This class provides 7 hours of continuing education.

 

 

Note: Our Fair Housing training does not provide or replace legal advice in any way. Legal advice is specific to local and state laws and a myriad of other possible variables that cannot be addressed in this format.

Fundamentals of Fair Housing

Join us for an engaging and informative session where we delve into the critical aspects of fair housing laws and their application in the housing industry. This class is designed for professionals in the real estate and property management sectors, as well as anyone interested in understanding the rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act and related legislation.

Agenda:

  • Overview: Introduction to Fair Housing principles
  • The Fair Housing Act: Overview of the Act and its protections
  • Discrimination: Identifying and preventing housing discrimination
  • Protected Characteristics: Understanding who is protected under federal law
  • Prohibited Actions & Sexual Harassment: Recognizing illegal practices and addressing harassment
  • Disparate Impact & VAWA: Examining unintentional discrimination and protections for abuse survivors
  • Advertising & Accessibility: Guidelines for inclusive advertising and accommodating disabilities
  • Reasonable Accommodations & Modifications: Obligations for supporting individuals with disabilities
  • Legal Framework: Disability, civil rights laws, Section 504, FHAA, ADA, and Design Requirements
  • Assistance Animals & Marijuana: Rules for support animals and navigating marijuana-related housing issues

This class provides 3 to 6 hours of continuing education depending on the length of the content.

Fair Housing for Maintenance

Dive into the essentials of fair housing practices tailored for maintenance professionals. This course provides a concise yet thorough exploration of fair housing regulations and their application in daily maintenance operations, ensuring compliance and promoting an inclusive community.

Agenda:

  • Overview: Introduction to fair housing principles
  • The Fair Housing Act: Key provisions impacting maintenance work
  • Discrimination & Protected Classes: Identifying discrimination and understanding protected classes
  • Maintenance Policies & Work Orders: Implementing fair policies and handling work orders
  • Maintenance Duties & Tenant Relations: Responsibilities and best practices for tenant interactions
  • Reasonable Accommodations & Modifications: Addressing tenant requests for accommodations and modifications
  • Special Topics: Assistance animals, hoarding, marijuana, and sexual harassment
  • Legal Framework: Disability civil rights laws, Section 504, FHAA, ADA, and design requirements
  • Fair Housing Compliance: Managing complaints and maintaining compliance

This class provides 3 hours of continuing education.

Understanding the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Join us for an in-depth three-hour training session on the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), a cornerstone federal law that provides crucial housing protections for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This class is designed for affordable housing professionals who are committed to applying the letter and spirit of VAWA to ensure that survivors are not denied housing or lose their housing due to violence committed against them.

We will cover the history of VAWA, its expansions and reauthorizations, and the practical applications of the law in various housing programs. By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to make their communities safer and uphold the rights of all individuals.

Agenda:

  • Introduction, overview, and history of VAWA
  • VAWA and its significance in affordable housing
  • The origins of VAWA and its passage in 1994
  • Reauthorizations and expansions in 2000, 2005, 2013, and 2022
  • Key milestones and changes in housing protections
  • VAWA's Legal Framework and Housing Protections
  • Understanding the legal protections under VAWA
  • The role of VAWA in Section 8, LIHTC, HOME Funds, and RD housing programs
  • Implementing VAWA in Housing Programs
  • Documentation and certification processes for survivors
  • VAWA and Fair Housing
  • Addressing challenges and ensuring non-discrimination
  • Role of Housing Professionals
  • Strategies for creating safe and supportive housing environments
  • How to utilize VAWA to protect rights and prevent further victimization

This class provides 3 hours of continuing education.

 

 

Navigating the Enterprise Income Verification “EIV” System

Take a deep dive into the Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) system with this engaging three-hour course designed for site managers, compliance officers, and HUD-subsidized property staff. This course offers a detailed overview of the EIV system as outlined in Chapter 9 of the HUD Handbook 4350.3, providing participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the system efficiently and ensure compliance with HUD regulations.

This course is ideal for property managers, compliance officers, and staff involved in the management of HUD-subsidized properties who wish to enhance their understanding of the EIV system and ensure their properties remain in compliance with HUD regulations.

Agenda:

  • Introduction to EIV and Its Role in HUD Compliance
  • Overview of the EIV system and its history
  • The legal and regulatory framework for EIV use
  • The critical role of site and compliance managers in maintaining EIV compliance
  • Navigating the EIV System and Understanding Data Sources
  • Detailed walkthrough of the EIV interface and features
  • Types of data collected by EIV and their sources
  • Privacy considerations and restrictions on EIV data sharing
  • Practical Application and Troubleshooting in EIV
  • Procedures for using EIV during recertification and new admissions
  • Addressing EIV discrepancies and errors

This class provides 3 hours of continuing education.

 

 

HOTMA and LIHTC Compliance

The Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) of 2016, with its final rule published on February 14, 2023, has ushered in a new era for affordable housing programs. This pivotal legislation has streamlined processes to benefit tenants and alleviate the administrative load on housing providers. As a result, property managers and owners are now facing a transformed landscape in qualifying households for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program.

We invite you to join us in demystifying these program eligibility changes to maintain compliance. Our session will cover:

  • An overview of HOTMA and the implications of the final rule
  • Detailed exploration of program eligibility changes under HOTMA
  • Understanding the revised definitions and treatment of income and assets
  • Guidance on applying the necessary inflationary adjustments to stay compliant

This class provides 3 hours of continuing education.

HOTMA and Rural Development Compliance

Dive into the transformative world of affordable housing compliance with our dynamic class on HOTMA and Rural Development Compliance. This course is meticulously designed for property managers and owners to learn the significant changes introduced by the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016 (HOTMA).

With the final rule published on February 14, 2023, the affordable housing industry has witnessed the most substantial shift in decades, particularly affecting Rural Development (RD) programs. In this class, participants will gain an understanding of:

  • HOTMA Overview and the Final Rule
  • Program Eligibility Changes
  • Income and Assets Inclusions/Exclusions
  • Adjustments to Income
  • Mandatory Deductions
  • Applicable Inflationary Adjustments

This class provides 3 hours of continuing education.

HOTMA and HUD Compliance

The Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) of 2016 has ushered in a new era for affordable housing programs with its final rule published on February 14, 2023. This landmark legislation has introduced sweeping changes that are pivotal for property managers and owners in qualifying households for HUD programs.

In this session, we'll dive into the complexities of HOTMA's final rule, dissect the eligibility revisions, and provide you with the tools to ensure your compliance is as solid as a well-built foundation. Get ready to explore the updated landscape of HUD compliance and keep your property management skills sharp and up to date.

Agenda:

  • HOTMA overview and the final rule, including updated effective dates
  • Tenant Selection Plan changes
  • Changes to the EIV System
  • Program eligibility changes
  • Income and assets inclusions/exclusions
  • Applicable inflationary adjustments
  • Asset Restrictions for Eligibility

This class provides 3 hours of continuing education.

HOTMA with LIHTC and Rural Development Compliance

Join us as we dive into the complexities of the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) and its impact on Rural Development Multifamily Housing programs with this comprehensive three-hour class. Designed for industry professionals, this session will provide a detailed overview of HOTMA's final rule and its significant changes to the affordable housing landscape.

Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the new definitions, income and asset calculations, and the streamlined processes intended to benefit tenants and reduce administrative burdens. The class will also cover the alignment of Rural Development programs with HOTMA provisions, ensuring compliance and maximizing efficiency for providers.

Agenda:

  • Introduction, overview, and HOTMA’s history
  • Outline the significance of the 2023 final rule and its transformative effect on the industry
  • HOTMA's Key Provisions and Changes
  • Rural Development and HOTMA Alignment
  • Net family assets, annual income definitions, and mandatory deductions
  • Practical Application and Compliance Strategies

This class provides 3 hours of continuing education.

HOTMA and LIHTC w/ RD at Section 8 Properties

Join us for an engaging and informative three-hour class on the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) and its impact on Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) with Rural Development at Section 8 properties. This class will explore the significant changes HOTMA brings to multifamily housing programs, and how these changes affect compliance and operations at properties blending LIHTC, Rural Development, and Section 8 funding sources.

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the revised regulations, including the new definitions of income and assets, asset limits for eligibility, and the alignment of income calculations across programs. We'll also discuss the differences between these programs and how to navigate them effectively. This class is perfect for property managers, compliance officers, and anyone involved in affordable housing.

Agenda:

  • Introduction and Overview of HOTMA
  • Program eligibility changes
  • Income and asset inclusions and exclusions
  • Adjustments to income
  • Mandatory deductions
  • Applicable inflationary adjustments
  • Asset limits for eligibility in Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance and Section 202/8 programs

This class provides 3 hours of continuing education.

 

 

Mandi Lewis, HCCP FHC

Director of Training

HCCP Designee of the Year, 2023

mlewis@zeffert.com

Cell: 314-915-6907