Successful Resident and Applicant Interviews
The Questions You Should Ask
by Brian Carnahan, HCCP, Christine Bennett, HCCP, and Arthera “TJ” Burgess, HCCP
Source: NAHB Housing Credit Certified Professional program
"The process of qualifying an applicant for a unit or recertifying a resident’s income is the first step in ensuring a community remains in compliance with the programs funding it. The face-to face interview of the applicant is a key part of the qualification process. It enables the manager of the affordable apartment community to gather the information needed to properly determine whether an applicant is qualified to lease an apartment home. With the waiver of recertification available with the passage of H.R. 3221, also known as the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA), correctly gathering necessary information is even more important. The interview is also a great opportunity to start building a positive relationship with the resident. Since the interview is part of the application process, the potential resident still has other options. If they are at this stage, they’ve decided they want to live in your community. But, there is still time for them to change their minds.
The interview is a process, so it should be structured, consistent and based on the income and asset statement required by the state housing credit agency. This will help you gather all of the information you need, as well as serve to ensure there are not violations of fair housing laws."