NAHMA Communities of Quality

*Beginning in 2010, NAHMA will only accept electonic submissions of the COQ application. Please refer to Electronic Submissions Guidelines below for instructions on submitting an electronic application. Please email: joe.thomas@nahma.org with any questions you may have.

COQ Recognition Program for Outstanding Affordable Multifamily Properties

National Communities of Quality® Certification Raises the Bar for Housing Industry

The National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) is pleased to announce a certification program that recognizes the outstanding achievements of property managers and owners who provide high-quality, affordable multifamily rental housing. Through the Communities of Quality® (COQ) National Recognition program, multifamily properties can be certified as having achieved a high standard of excellence in the way they are managed, the services they provide residents, the experience and training of personnel, and other criteria.

NAHMA created the COQ National Recognition program as a way to acknowledge a company that provides the highest-quality affordable housing to lower-income residents while adding value to its larger community. "Housing for low- and moderate-income families is often a great asset to communities, especially when it offers services - such as computer learning centers or senior centers - that provide valuable support and enrichment to the lives of residents," said NAHMA's past president, Michelle Norris, NAHP-e, SHCM.

Any property manager or owner of affordable multifamily rental housing in the U.S. can apply for COQ National Recognition at any time during the year. Applicants' properties receive scores for Physical Inspections; Employee Credentials; Financial Management; Programs and Services; Endorsements; and Photographs and Reports. Applicants must score a minimum of 225 points in these categories to receive COQ certification (200 points for properties with 49 units or less). Properties that score more than 325 points are automatically eligible to compete in NAHMA's prestigious, Communities of Quality™ Awards competition. All entrants to the COQ Awards competition must achieve National Recognition status. COQ Awards are presented in March of each year, at NAHMA's annual winter meeting.

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