Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Software
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Kayna Fernandez

Driving Affordable Housing Compliance & Portfolio Excellence | HUD Programs | Operations Leadership
New York,NY
Kayna Fernandez

Summary

Dedicated team leader with strong communication and problem-solving skills, seeking a challenging assistant manager role in the housing industry.Housing professional prepared for this role with focus on delivering high-quality support in housing sector. Proven ability to foster positive tenant relationships and resolve housing issues promptly. Reliable team collaborator committed to achieving results and adapting to changing needs. Strong organizational skills and customer service orientation.

Overview

6
years of professional experience
2
Certifications
2
Languages

Work History

New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)

Assistant Housing Manager
03.2024 - Current

Job overview

Assist with oversight of occupancy and housing operations in alignment with HUD and NYCHA regulatory requirements.

  • Support annual and interim certifications, resident eligibility reviews, transfers, and documentation accuracy to ensure program compliance.
  • Managed over 6 TEAM MEMBERS per day.
  • Coordinate compliance documentation and reporting in preparation for internal reviews, audits, and regulatory inquiries.
  • Act as operational support to management by monitoring workflows, tracking compliance items, and identifying process gaps.
  • Collaborate with property management, administrative staff, and central offices to ensure consistent implementation of housing policies and procedures.
  • Serve as a point of contact for escalated operational and resident-related issues, supporting resolution while maintaining regulatory standards.
  • Maintain confidentiality and accuracy when handling sensitive resident, financial, and compliance-related information.
  • Contribute to process improvements aimed at increasing efficiency, compliance readiness, and service delivery.
  • Collaborated with maintenance teams to address repair needs swiftly, ensuring minimal disruption for tenants.
  • Facilitated conflict resolution between tenants when necessary, promoting a harmonious living environment.
  • Reviewed and resolved income discrepancies identified through eligibility reviews and supporting documentation to ensure compliance with HUD and NYCHA requirements.
  • Assisted with resident eligibility determinations, including income verification, household composition changes, and documentation validation.
  • Supported analysis of reported versus verified income to identify discrepancies and coordinate corrective actions in accordance with program guidelines.
  • Collaborated with management and compliance teams to address eligibility findings, ensuring accurate resident records and regulatory adherence.
  • Assisted in preparing documentation related to income discrepancies and eligibility reviews for audits, internal reviews, and compliance follow-ups.
  • Supported corrective actions and resident communication related to eligibility determinations while maintaining compliance and confidentiality standards.
  • Reduced maintenance expenses with proactive property inspections and timely repairs.

Urban American LLC
Manhattan , New York

Assistant Leasing Manager- Hybrid
08.2022 - 03.2024

Job overview

  • Supported leasing and occupancy operations for HUD-regulated affordable housing portfolio, ensuring full compliance with HUD program requirements and Fair Housing regulations.
  • Managed over 20 IDR calls per day.
  • Managed applicant intake, eligibility screening, and income verification in accordance with HUD guidelines.
  • Assisted with annual and interim certifications, unit transfers, and move-ins to maintain accurate occupancy and compliance records.
  • Oversaw waitlist management and tenant selection processes in alignment with the Tenant Selection Plan (TSP).
  • Utilized Yardi Affordable Housing module to maintain resident data, leasing activity, and compliance documentation.
  • Coordinated with Property Management and Compliance teams to resolve eligibility issues and ensure timely processing of certifications.
  • Provided guidance and support to leasing staff on HUD procedures, documentation standards, and resident communication.
  • Assisted with audit preparation by organizing leasing files, certifications, and compliance records for internal reviews and MOR audits.
  • Maintained confidentiality and accuracy when handling sensitive resident and financial information.
  • Conducted market research to remain competitive with local rental rates and amenities.
  • Maintained accurate records of rental payments, deposits, and expenses for effective financial management.
  • Negotiated lease terms with potential tenants, securing favorable agreements for both parties.

Urban American LLC
Manhattan , New York

Affordable Housing Assistant Manager- Full Time
07.2021 - 07.2022

Job overview

  • Utilized Yardi Affordable Housing module to manage resident data, compliance tracking, and reporting.
  • Supported EIV report reviews to identify income discrepancies and ensure program integrity.
  • Partnered with Property Managers and leasing teams to resolve resident issues while maintaining compliance standards.
  • Assisted with implementation of compliance policies including VAWA requirements and fair housing procedures.
  • Contributed to operational improvements that increased workflow efficiency and reduced processing errors.
  • Aided in the collection of rent payments, minimizing delinquencies and maintaining positive cash flow.
  • Maintained strong relationships with local agencies such as social services departments or shelters to assist with tenant referrals and support services.
  • 1100 units mixed property with government assistance programs, market rent,commercial. Maintained and monitored waitlists in accordance with the Tenant Selection Plan and Fair Housing guidelines.
  • Coordinated responses to MOR audits by preparing documentation, resolving findings, and ensuring corrective actions were implemented.

Urban American LLC
Manhattan , New York

Administrative Assistant
06.2020 - 06.2021

Job overview

  • Managed over 50 customer calls per day.
  • Balance monthly preventive maintenance workload to labor availability.
  • Prioritize and schedule all other maintenance requests based on client’s needs.
  • Facilitate weekly Planning and Scheduling meeting with maintenance team and managers.
  • Work with Ops Manager to build a calendar for work requiring shutdowns.
  • Create and run reports tracking work order status, material, etc.
  • Support work order completion and closeout to meet monthly metrics.
  • Dispatch emergency work requests.
  • Main point of contact for work requests from the Service Center and route work orders accordingly Qualifications:
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office including Excel, Access, and Query.
  • Prior scheduling experience.
  • Understanding of maintenance trades, common repairs, parts, and services.
  • Client service-oriented attitude.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills to sustain superior customer and team interaction.
  • Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
  • Ability to plan and manage work under minimal supervision.
  • Answered multi-line phone system, routing calls, delivering messages to staff and greeting visitors.
  • Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information by adhering to strict privacy policies and implementing secure filing systems.

Education

Hostos Community College
Bronx, NY

Associate's Degree from Business Administration and Management, General
01-2027

Skills

CVR system quality control

Agenda development

Knowledgeable in HUD regulations

LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit)

Enterprise income verification expertise (EIV)

TRACS

Yardi Voyager – Affordable Housing

Compliance Specialist

Certification

Project Management Essentials

Software

RealPage

Yardi Voyager – Affordable Housing

AppFolio

Timeline

Assistant Housing Manager

New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)
03.2024 - Current

Assistant Leasing Manager- Hybrid

Urban American LLC
08.2022 - 03.2024

Affordable Housing Assistant Manager- Full Time

Urban American LLC
07.2021 - 07.2022

Administrative Assistant

Urban American LLC
06.2020 - 06.2021

Hostos Community College

Associate's Degree from Business Administration and Management, General
Kayna FernandezDriving Affordable Housing Compliance & Portfolio Excellence | HUD Programs | Operations Leadership