Roles in Affordable Housing

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For Renters

For Property Managers

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This page for renters explains the roles and responsibilities of the key groups involved in affordable housing, including public funders, property managers, residents, service providers, and local governments. It helps residents and housing partners understand who is responsible for different aspects of housing operations, compliance, services, and dispute resolution.

Creating and maintaining affordable housing is a team effort, with each group playing a vital role in making sure properties and communities flourish.  Explore the different roles below to learn more about each group's responsibilities.

Public Funder (The Commission)

Public funders are government agencies and public entities that provide critical financing, subsidies, and incentives to support the development, preservation, and operation of affordable housing across Washington State. Through grants, loans, and tax credit programs, they help ensure housing remains accessible to low-income households, seniors, and other underserved populations.

Does Does Not

✅ Inspects every tax credit property every three years to ensure it meets certain federal health and safety standards. 

✅ Reviews property files every one to three years to check that residents are income-eligible for their units.    

✅ Directs any complaints about the property back to the owner or manager for resolution. 

✅ Reviews documents every year to ensure owners are following the applicable rent limits.  

❌ oversee management practices. 

❌ force the owner to fix building problems that are not covered under federal health and safety standards. 

❌ review leases for compliance with state or local laws. The Commission is not a party to the lease agreement 

❌ act as a facilitator between residents and owners. 

❌ provide rental assistance 

❌ force the owner to not raise rents. The Commission only monitors to ensure rents are below allowed rent amount limit.

 

Property Manager

Property managers oversee the day-to-day operations of affordable housing communities, ensuring properties are well-maintained, financially sustainable, and compliant with regulatory requirements. They serve as a key connection between residents, property owners, and service providers, supporting housing stability through resident engagement, lease administration, and property management services.

Does Does Not

✅ Collects rent and fees. 

✅ Addresses maintenance requests and repairs. 

✅ Enforces lease terms and property rules. 

✅ Ensures the property is safe and well-maintained. 

❌Does not set property rent limits. 

❌ Resolve legal disputes between residents and owners. 

❌ Does not have authority to waive or change tax credit program rules. 

❌ Handle property financing decisions. 

 

Resident

Residents are the people and families who live in affordable housing communities and are the central focus of the affordable housing ecosystem. Their experiences, needs, and feedback help shape housing investments, services, and policies that promote housing stability, well-being, and economic opportunity.

Does Does Not

✅ Pays rent and utilities on time. 

✅ Follows the lease agreement and property rules. 

✅ Maintains cleanliness and good condition of the rental unit. 

✅ Follows tax credit program rules as outlined in Tax Credit Lease Rider 

❌ Handle property maintenance (unless specified in the lease). 

 

 

❌ Set rental rates or policies. 

 

 

Resident Services/211

Resident services providers and 211 organizations connect affordable housing residents to essential resources such as healthcare, employment assistance, food support, transportation, and crisis services. By helping residents access community-based supports and navigate complex systems, they promote housing stability, self-sufficiency, and overall well-being.

Does Does Not

✅ Connects residents with community resources, including healthcare, financial aid, and housing assistance. 

✅ Helps address specific resident needs or concerns. 

❌ Resolve disputes between property owners and residents. 

❌ Manage rent or property maintenance. 

 

Local Government

Local governments shape the affordable housing landscape through land-use policies, funding programs, housing strategies, and community development initiatives. They play a critical role in addressing local housing needs by investing in affordable housing, coordinating stakeholders, and creating conditions that support housing affordability and neighborhood stability.

Does Does Not

✅ Passes local housing laws and regulations. 

✅ Oversees local health and safety standards for rental properties. 

✅ Provides programs or subsidies for housing assistance. 

❌ Manage specific properties or intervene in private rental agreements. 

 

❌ Set rent prices (outside of specific local regulations).