“Key Tips” for Affordable Housing Excellence
Our helpful Key Tip Clips are designed specifically for Affordable Housing professionals. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned expert, these short, practical videos from experienced educators known through the NAHMA community provide key tips to help you navigate the industry and continue advancing excellence in Affordable Housing.
Let’s Learn, Grow, And Make A Positive Impact Together.
Disclaimer: While due care has been used in compiling the materials and information contained in the Key Tips videos, neither NAHMA nor the videos’ authors, nor anyone else who has been involved in the creation, production, distribution, or delivery of the videos and/or webpage shall be responsible for errors, omissions or inaccuracies. Neither NAHMA, the videos’ authors, nor anyone else who has been involved in the creation, production, distribution, or delivery of the videos and/or webpage shall be liable for any direct, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from the use of the information and materials presented herein. Contents of this or any webpage at NAHMA.org should not be regarded as the final authority on policies, regulations and legal or other issues. Opinions are those of the video authors and do not necessarily represent opinions or policies of NAHMA’s board of directors or staff.
HOW TO TAKE A NAHMA CERTIFICATION COURSE & EXAM
This video walks you through the process of obtaining a NAHMA certification, the course & exam procedure, and introduces you to the Regional Affordable Housing Management Associations (AHMAs).
HOW TO PREVENT PROBLEMS WITH LIVE-IN AIDES
Walking you through practical steps housing providers can take to establish clear expectations and avoid common problems involving live-in aides, Gwen Volk from INFOCUS, Inc reviews these issues and how to prevent problems before they happen.
THE STORY BEHIND THE 504 REQUEST ON YOUR DESK
A Section 504 request may feel like just another form, policy, or workflow. But behind that process is a powerful civil rights story. Michael Martinez from Yardi looks back at the 1977 Section 504 sit-in and the fight to turn legal protections into real-world access – and why that history still matters in affordable housing today.
FIRE PREVENTION IN MULTIFAMILY HOUSING
Scott Ployer, from NPMSG discusses fire prevention in multifamily housing buildings emphasizing that fire safety is everyone’s responsibility, not just the maintenance department or management office. Highlighting the importance of keeping emergency exits and egress routes clear, paying attention to fire doors, and watching for electrical and mechanical hazards.
SETTING BOUNDARIES
Supporting residents while managing competing demands can make it difficult to say “no” or “not right now.” In this quick tips video Dr. Allessandria Polizzi from Verdant Leadership explores how to set clear, compassionate boundaries, communicate what you can realistically offer, and balance care for others with your capacity to do your job well.
THE TWO-PERSON-PER-BEDROOM RULE IS NOT A LAW
Learn what HUD actually says about two persons per bedroom from Gwen Volk, INFOCUS, and why it is only a general rule of reasonableness, and what factors can justify a different occupancy standard.
THE FAIR HOUSING RISK IN THE EXTRA SENTENCE
Sometimes the Fair Housing risk isn’t in the answer – it’s in the extra sentence we add because we’re trying to be helpful. In this quick tip, Michael Martinez from Yardi looks at how assumptions about families, disabilities, and what someone “needs” can influence housing choices, and why the safest approach is often to answer the question without filling in the blanks.
RESPECT IN THE WORKPLACE
Fear of saying the wrong thing, assumptions about intent, or concern about making things worse can keep leaders from addressing harassment. In this quick tips video Dr. Allessandria Polizzi from Verdant Leadership helps affordable housing leaders recognize their own barriers and take practical steps to respond appropriately and support a respectful workplace.
HOW OFTEN IS PERMISSION NEEDED TO SHARE AN EIV INCOME REPORT WITHIN THE HOUSEHOLD?
Why must one adult household member give written permission before management shares their EIV Income Report with another adult household member? Gwen Volk from INFOCUS shares this information and whether that permission must be renewed.
DISPARATE IMPACT EXPLAINED IN 2 MINUTES
Michael Martinez from Yardi breaks down disparate impact, as one of those Fair Housing terms many people have heard but may still struggle to explain. In this quick, approachable video, we show how a rule that looks neutral on paper can have a very different impact in practice.
HAS THE CARES ACT 30 DAY NON PAYMENT NOTICE EXPIRED
Gwen Volk from INFOCUS, Inc shares a quick explanation of whether the CARES Act 30-day notice requirement still applies and what housing providers need to know before issuing a nonpayment notice
GROWTH MINDSET: TURNING CHALLENGES INTO LEARNING
Affordable housing work rarely comes with easy answers. This quick tips video Dr. Allessandria Polizzi from Verdant Leadership explores how to approach setbacks, feedback, and unfamiliar situations with curiosity. Learn to shift from “I should already know how” to “What can I learn, and what support do I need?” while maintaining accountability for results.
NAVIGATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PARTNERS
Want more instructional Tips? NAVIGATE offers weekly videos on Affordable Housing knowledge.