Leasing Manager

Lease Manager - Affordable
Bronx, NY | $80,000-$95,000/year | Full-Time (In-person)

Equal Access is partnering with a well-established and community-focused affordable housing provider operating across the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. Our client develops and manages a diverse portfolio of multifamily rental properties supported by housing programs including LIHTC, HOME, and project-based voucher (PBV) initiatives. As the portfolio continues to grow, they are seeking a mission-aligned professional to lead leasing operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and support applicant outreach for new and renovated affordable housing developments.

Position Summary

The Leasing Manager provides strategic leadership and oversight for leasing operations across a portfolio of affordable housing properties in New York City. This role is responsible for driving occupancy performance, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing complex tenant cases, and serving as the primary escalation point for leasing-related decisions. The Leasing Manager works closely with internal teams and city, state, and federal housing agencies to support efficient, compliant, and revenue-conscious leasing operations.

• Leasing Operations
• Serve as the final point of contact with approved applicants, responsible for advancing applications from approval through executed lease.
• Close leasing transactions by directly engaging with applicants to resolve outstanding issues, confirm eligibility, address concerns, and secure lease execution.
• At times, act as a sole contributor by conducting applicant outreach, collecting and reviewing documentation, preparing lease packages, and facilitating lease signings as operational needs require.
• Ensure all leasing activities comply with Fair Housing laws, NYC Human Rights Law, and Equal Opportunity requirements.
• Review and approve leasing files prepared by Leasing Coordinators and Specialists to ensure completeness, accuracy, and regulatory compliance prior to execution.
• Provide real-time guidance and technical support to leasing staff during the application, screening, and approval process to prevent delays or failed leases.
• Step in to de-escalate applicant issues or address complex questions that could otherwise jeopardize lease execution or occupancy timelines.
• Ensure a smooth handoff between coordinators/specialists and management, maintaining momentum toward lease execution without unnecessary interruptions.
• Maintain accountability for executed leases and timely occupancy, regardless of which team member handled initial application steps.
• Balance oversight and direct involvement to ensure leasing activity remains aligned with portfolio targets, compliance standards, and agency expectations.
• Coordinate with maintenance team and superintendents to ensure apartments are turned over timely and apartment viewings occur on schedule.

• Provide guidance, coaching, and training for leasing staff regularly.
• Develop and reinforce leasing standards, compliance procedures, and best practices.
• Support onboarding and ongoing education related to affordable housing program requirements.

• Serve as the escalation point for complex applicant qualifications, denials, appeals, and other issues.
• Ensure consistent application of program rules while mitigating compliance risk.
• Exercise sound judgment in high-risk or sensitive situations involving tenant eligibility or agency scrutiny.
• Ensure reasonable accommodation & VAWA requests are reviewed, documented, tracked, and coordinated in accordance with regulatory requirements.

• Maintain strong working relationships with NYC housing agencies, including HPD, NYCHA, HCR, and HUD.
• Detail oriented consistent follow-up with agencies to ensure timely leasing.
• Coordinate with agencies on apartment inspections, compliance clarifications, and documentation issues.
• Support agency reviews, audits, and corrective actions related to leasing activities.

• Analyze leasing trends, unit turnover, and rent-up timelines to identify opportunities for improved performance.
• Support pricing, unit mix, and leasing strategies within affordable housing constraints.
• Monitor vacancy loss and recommend operational adjustments as needed.
• Ability to develop metrics and reports, spreadsheets, and presentations that translate complex leasing and compliance data into clear, actionable insights.

• Act as the final decision-maker for leasing-related escalations prior to leadership involvement.
• Ensure decisions are consistent, well-documented, and aligned with regulatory and organizational standards.

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in affordable and supportive housing leasing within NYC or similar experience with transferable skills will be considered.
• In-depth knowledge of Section 8 and working familiarity with LIHTC, Mitchell-Lama, and other…