HOME Compliance Specialist Training

Course Overview

The HOME Compliance Specialist (HCS) certification provides in-depth training on the rules and regulations of the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, covering both federal regulations associated with the HOME Program and how local participating jurisdictions implement their own procedures to meet community needs.

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) provides grants to States and localities that are used to fund a wide range of affordable housing services. Such services include building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to low-income persons. HOME is the largest Federal block grant program designed exclusively to develop and preserve affordable housing for low-income Americans.

This course covers the lifecycle of a HOME project, from property selection and initial eligibility to ongoing occupancy and long-term affordability. Participants will learn the nuances of income determination, rent setting, property standards, and the specific rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords within the HOME program framework. 

The HCS designation is ideal for property managers, asset managers, developers, and staff at syndicators, state and local housing finance agencies, and public housing authorities. Achieving this designation signifies a high level of competency in HOME program compliance, preparing individuals to effectively manage and monitor these valuable affordable housing resources.

What you’ll learn:

• HOME Program Origins & Fundamentals: Learn about the origins of the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, how public and private entities collaborate to expand affordable housing, and understand its core principles, objectives, and regulatory framework.
• Income Eligibility & Calculation: Master the methods and requirements for accurately determining, calculating, and verifying household Annual Gross Income to ensure compliance with HOME income limits.
• Rent Setting & Unit Designation: Learn how to correctly establish HOME rents, understand High HOME and Low HOME unit distinctions, manage utility allowances, and recognize the features of fixed versus floating HOME units.
• Layered Compliance Management: Understand how to balance multiple layers of compliance, particularly for properties blended with other programs such as Section 8 and/or the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program (LIHTC).
• Property Standards & Inspections: Gain knowledge of the specific property standards required for HOME-assisted units and the protocols for ongoing physical inspections.
• Tenant & Landlord Rights: Understand the specific rights and responsibilities applicable to both tenants and landlords within HOME-assisted properties.
• Long-Term Viability & Compliance: Comprehend the requirements for maintaining long-term affordability and learn how to ensure a fiscally and operationally viable property while consistently adhering to HOME’s objectives.
• Ongoing Monitoring & Reporting: Learn about the necessary ongoing compliance monitoring activities and critical reporting obligations for effective HOME program management.
• Effective Affordable Housing Compliance: Develop the essential skills to become an effective affordable housing compliance specialist, capable of proficiently navigating complex HOME regulations.

Why NCHM?

NCHM is the Gold Standard

NCHM’s HCS certification program delivers unparalleled quality and expertise in affordable housing compliance. Our focused training approach ensures participants receive dedicated attention, gain a comprehensive understanding of HOME program intricacies, and develop the confidence needed to excel as a housing compliance specialist. We also provide an eHotline to all with an active NCHM certification, allowing for quick answers to any questions on the job.

Only Organization Created by the US Government to Provide Affordable Housing Training

As the sole organization initially established by the U.S. government specifically for affordable housing training, NCHM brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge and authority to its certification programs, including those essential for an affordable housing compliance specialist.

One Stop For Training and Certification

NCHM provides everything needed for HOME Compliance Specialist (HCS) certification—registration, training, and testing—in one convenient spot, simplifying the process for individuals and employers seeking expertise as an affordable housing compliance specialist.

The HCS course runs 4 hours daily, Monday-Thursday. Complete the online exam within a week post-class and receive results within 5-7 days of the exam’s close date, achieving certification in approximately sixteen days.

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