Maintenance Leadership Academy

Learn what it means to lead a maintenance team in affordable housing. This session covers the core responsibilities of a maintenance supervisor, the difference between leadership and management, HUD compliance basics, and how to build trust with staff and residents. A strong start for anyone stepping into a leadership role on-site.

Strong leadership starts with clear communication. In this session, you’ll learn how to effectively communicate with internal and external customers—including your team, residents, vendors, and property managers. We’ll cover setting expectations, resolving conflict, using written communication professionally, and building trust across departments. Master the skills that turn good supervisors into great leaders.

To lead effectively, maintenance supervisors must understand the goals of property management. This session breaks down how occupancy, budgeting, and compliance drive decision-making and how your team’s performance directly impacts them. Learn how to align your work with leasing goals, support your property manager, and communicate maintenance priorities in business terms.

Compliance isn’t optional, it’s part of your job as a supervisor. In this session, you’ll learn the fundamentals of HUD’s new NSPIRE inspection model, how it differs from REAC, and what it means for daily operations. You’ll also explore tax credit (LIHTC) compliance basics, documentation best practices, and how to lead your team in year-round inspection readiness.

Stop fighting fires and start leading proactively. This session teaches the difference between reactive and preventive maintenance and why great supervisors must lead the shift. Learn how to build a preventive maintenance plan, involve your team, and communicate effectively with residents. Discover how professionalism starts with preparation, not panic.

Great supervisors don’t just fix today’s problems they plan for tomorrow’s. In this session, you’ll learn how to build a property asset inventory, set replacement timelines, and distinguish capital expenses from daily operating costs. You’ll also discover how to use vendor input, tie forecasting to preventive maintenance, and present long-term plans to management with confidence.

Supervisors don’t just spend the budget they help shape and protect it. This session covers what goes into a maintenance budget, how to make smart repair vs. replace decisions, and ways to control costs without cutting corners. Learn how to track expenses, align vendor invoices, and support your property manager during budget season with accurate, data-driven input.

Hiring outside help doesn’t mean giving up control. This session teaches you how to select the right vendors, avoid red flags, and set clear expectations from day one. Learn to negotiate contracts, track vendor performance, and ensure compliance with licensing and insurance requirements, all while protecting your budget and your property’s reputation.

Inspections aren’t just for compliance; they’re your roadmap to better maintenance. In this session, you’ll learn how to plan and perform property inspections that improve safety, identify risks early, and support long-term planning. Master the use of inspection tools, assign and follow up on repairs, and communicate clearly with residents to build trust and accountability.

Great supervisors don’t just fix problems, they prevent them. This session covers the most common risks on multifamily properties and teaches you how to reduce liability through OSHA basics, resident safety awareness, and proactive leadership. Learn how to respond to incidents, document properly, and build a culture where safety is part of the daily routine.

Service is more than just fixing things, it’s how you build trust. In this session, you’ll learn how to prioritize and manage work orders, communicate clearly with residents, and create a service-first culture within your team. Explore tools and strategies to prevent common complaints and measure success through performance tracking and follow-up.

Leadership isn’t tested when things go right, it’s tested when things get tough. This session teaches you how to navigate conflict with residents, team members, and management through clear, respectful communication. Learn de-escalation techniques, written communication standards, and how to turn challenging moments into opportunities to build credibility and trust.

Your leadership journey doesn’t stop at supervisor. In this session, you’ll explore common career advancement opportunities in the multifamily industry and learn how to build a plan that aligns with your goals. Discover the value of certifications, cross-training, and reputation and walk away with a practical strategy to take your next professional step.

Your reputation is your most valuable tool. This final session explores what it means to lead with professionalism through communication, appearance, preparedness, and how you handle feedback. Learn how daily actions shape how you’re perceived, how to build long-term trust, and how to earn respect from residents, your team, and company leadership.

Put your training into action. In this final session, you’ll work through a real-world case study designed to test your judgment, planning, and leadership skills. Reflect on what you’ve learned, review key takeaways from all 14 sessions, and get prepared for the final exam. It’s time to turn knowledge into confidence and walk into your next leadership challenge ready to lead.