The Future is Affordable Why Every Apartment Operator Needs Affordable Housing Training
BY DIANE GONZALEZ
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
The multifamily housing industry is shifting fast. In Colorado, nearly 90 % of newly financed units now include an affordable housing component, most often through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit( LIHTC).
Even conventional owners are feeling the impact as mixed-income mandates and rehab projects increasingly tie back to affordable housing requirements. Add to that the rollout of HUD’ s NSPIRE( National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate) inspection standards, and the message is clear: affordable housing knowledge is no longer optional, it’ s essential.
“ Every management team should have at least one staff member trained in affordable housing compliance.”
Why It Matters: Compliance is complex, and mistakes are costly:
• Loss of tax credits or subsidy income
• Repayment obligations to investors or lenders
• Failed audits and tenant hardship
• Failed NSPIRE inspections, leading to penalties, costly re-inspections, and reputational harm
The Solution:
At least one trained staff member who ensures files are accurate, recertifications stay on schedule, and properties are fully prepared for compliance reviews and NSPIRE inspections.
Training Resources:
Several organizations offer industryleading training that now includes both compliance and NSPIRE readiness:
• CHFA( Colorado Housing & Finance Authority) – Practical LIHTC and compliance courses tailored to Colorado, plus NSPIRE inspection preparation.
• NCHM( National Center for Housing Management) – Certifications such as Tax Credit Specialist( TCS) and Certified Occupancy Specialist( COS), with courses that cover NSPIRE standards.
• US Housing Consultants – Intensive NSPIRE training, compliance bootcamps, and consulting.
• Novogradac & Company LLP – Webinars, workshops, and LIHTC compliance conferences.
• NAHB( National Association of Home Builders) – Housing Credit Certified Professional( HCCP) designation, including affordable housing development education.
Final Thoughts
Affordable housing is no longer niche, it’ s the backbone of modern multifamily housing. The investment in training is small compared to the risks of noncompliance, failed inspections, and lost revenue.
The future belongs to operators who prepare now.
“ Affordable housing knowledge and
NSPIRE readiness aren’ t optional, they’ re essential.”
Diane Gonzalez, RHM, ARM, Regional Director at Avail Property Management. www. aamdhq. org TRENDS JANUARY 2026 | 29