Property Manager

Bellingham & Whatcom County Housing Authority•Bellingham, WA

3d•$29 - $38•Hybrid

About The Position

The Bellingham Housing Authority (BHA) is seeking a talented, detail-oriented, and service-focused Property Manager. This role oversees the day-to-day operations of BHA's affordable housing communities, ensuring strong physical condition, high occupancy, and positive resident relations. The Property Manager must maintain compliance with program regulations and Washington State Landlord Tenant laws, with an emphasis on assisting clients in maintaining their housing opportunity. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to the highest standards in public service.

Requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D. required
Two years of property management, asset management, or leasing experience required.
Experience managing residential rental property operations, including leasing, resident relations, and maintenance coordination.
Strong budgeting, rent collection, and basic financial reporting skills.
Proficiency with property management software and standard office tools (e.g., Excel/Word); Yardi experience preferred.
A mixture of public and private sector property operation experience, including leasing, calculating rents, lease compliance, etc. is desired (or a combination of education and experience approved by the Executive Director).
Must possess valid Washington State Motor Vehicle Operator's License at the time of hire and an acceptable driving record (according to BHA standards).
Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Strong customer service and communication skills to support resident stability and effective conflict resolution.
Working knowledge of affordable housing eligibility/certification processes, file documentation standards, and audit readiness.
Ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies, and lease requirements consistently.
Ability to interpret and apply Landlord Tenant Laws.
Knowledge of basic English composition, spelling, punctuation, and mathematics.
Works effectively and cooperatively with a wide range of people, including patrons who may be under significant personal stress.
Courteous, compassionate, and tactful manners.
Communicate effectively with agency staff, the public and other agency personnel.
Communicates with patrons with limited written and oral English skills.
Maintains confidentiality.
Balances workload and work effectively with frequent interruptions.
Maintains dependable, punctual attendance.

Nice To Haves

Yardi experience preferred.
LIHTC Compliance Specialist or Certified Occupancy Specialist preferred.
Fair Housing Certificate within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

Provides compassion-centered customer service to diverse populations and stakeholders including prompt response and follow-through.
Interprets and applies various program regulations and BWCHA policies and procedures in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Performs leasing activities including lease preparation, program orientation and lease signing appointments, move-in inspections, and move-in fund processing.
Conducts field work, such as property walks, preparing and delivering notices and conducting inspections (including special inspections and regular property inspections).
Maintains professional resident relations; responds to resident concerns, complaints, disputes, and lease violations promptly and documents outcomes.
Enforces lease terms through written notices, and corrective action plans; coordinates eviction processes and court actions when necessary and consistent with BWCHA policy and law.
Processes rent payments; performs collection functions for late/non-payment of rent; prepares current tenant repayment agreements; prepares Pay-or-Vacate notices and prepares packets for legal counsel when necessary. Serves as primary point of contact for residents with rent-related questions.
Maintains accurate resident records and audit-ready files.
Maintains office hours at various BWCHA property offices and manages various community activities to include regular resident meetings, garden boxes, activity clubs, commodities, summer meals and educational programs.
Serves as primary point of contact for Resident Council’s.
Establishes relationships and works cooperatively with law enforcement, resident support agencies and other stakeholders to refer and/or assist residents in obtaining necessary services.
Applies independent judgment to complex housing needs in a fair and consistent manner in accordance with continually changing regulatory rules, HUD regulations and BWCHA policies and procedures.
Prepares and distributes monthly resident newsletter.
Participates in community presentations and other information activities for prospective and current clients.
Coordinates effectively with maintenance, inspection and housing program staff.
Assists Housing Coordinators in obtaining necessary program paperwork.
May serve as translator in Spanish, Russian or Ukrainian.
Participates in special projects as assigned.