Impact of Property Management Services on Affordable Housing Residents in Atlanta, Georgia

Abstract

Several challenges and complexities are involved in managing affordable housing properties, including social programming, meeting financial goals, budgeting, complying with governmental and local housing regulations, decreasing tenant turnover and vacancy rates, and maintaining the physical building structure. Nonprofit organizations have recently taken on the task of housing the nation’s less privileged, lower-income households. Most nonprofit owners contract property management services to private management companies. This research measures how satisfied residents are with property management services at Defoors Ferry Manor, a nonprofit multifamily affordable housing community owned by Atlanta Mutual Housing Association. Of the thirteen variables, residents were least satisfied with expediency in which property management staff addressed their issues. A plausible explanation for this finding is the high turnover rate in property management staff. This research provides recommendations for successfully transitioning between property management staff.