Managing Affordable Housing (MAH201)
Comprehensive course on residential property management with an affordable housing focus.
Managing affordable housing requires specialized knowledge, regulatory awareness, and strong operational leadership. The MAH201 course from IREM® (Institute of Real Estate Management) helps property managers master affordable housing and stay ahead of the game.
This comprehensive course focuses on affordable housing property management, combining residential operations, compliance, financial oversight, and team leadership into one structured program. MAH201 is developed, reviewed, and delivered by experts in the affordable housing sector. Instructors include senior executives in real estate management and key officials from government agencies specializing in affordable housing.
What you'll learn in Managing Affordable Housing (MAH201)
MAH201 equips you with the practical knowledge required to succeed in publicly funded housing management environments. With this course, you will learn:
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The essentials of residential property management: Learn how everything fits together from affordable housing property management companies to property teams and ownership goals.
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How to nurture talent and boost productivity: Understanding everything from employment law to communication strategies that bridge generational gaps.
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How to create solid maintenance plans: Manage risks effectively and embrace sustainability practices that protect both your property and the environment.
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How to understand your target market: Leverage social media and master resident retention strategies that keep tenants happy and engaged.
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How to develop record-keeping strategies: Ensure accurate reporting and help you meet owner objectives seamlessly.
Who should enroll in MAH201?
This course is designed for property managers and professionals who manage affordable housing or preparing to step into regulated housing roles. It's ideal for:
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Property managers in early stages of their career
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Professionals working in affordable housing property management who are seeking an ARM® certification
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Affordable housing managers who want to manage other property types such as multifamily or single family homes
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Regional level property managers, including those that are part of conventional and part-affordable housing
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Site level and community managers who would like to be come more educated on affordable housing
Whether you're working for a private management firm, nonprofit organization, housing authority, or investment group, the MAH201 course will provide foundations in operations, finance, and compliance that you'll need to succeed in affordable housing.
Course format and details:
Managing Affordable Housing (MAH201) is offered:
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As a self-paced online course
IREM members’ price: $699
Nonmembers’ price: $909
Advance your career in managing affordable housing
Completing the Managing Affordable Housing course is the first step on the path to IREM’s Accredited Residential Manager® (ARM) certification. Combined with an ethics course, and a final exam, the path to certification is clear.
Earning the ARM certification will give you the skills, knowledge, recognition, and the network needed to elevate your property management career.
Take the next step on the path to an ARM: Take an Ethics course.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Managing Affordable Housing (MAH201) course?
MAH201 is an IREM® course that teaches the core skills needed to manage residential properties within affordable and publicly funded housing programs. It brings together operations, compliance, financial oversight, and team leadership so you can run properties with confidence.
Where do I take MAH201 and how much does it cost?
MAH201 is available at select classroom locations and online as a self‑paced course. Pricing is $699 for IREM members and $909 for nonmembers.
How does MAH201 support my path to the IREM ARM certification?
Completing MAH201 fulfills the course requirement for the ARM certification path. When paired with an ethics course and a final exam, you’re ready to move toward certification and new career opportunities.
Do I need affordable housing experience before enrolling?
No. MAH201 is designed for both early‑career managers and experienced professionals transitioning into affordable housing. The course builds a solid foundation in operations, compliance, and resident service.
Who teaches the MAH201 course?
MAH201 is taught by experienced leaders from the affordable housing field. Instructors include senior executives in property management and government officials who oversee affordable housing programs.

Top benefits of ARM certification:
Higher earnings
Boost your earning potential. On average, ARMs earn an average base compensation of $92,500.(1) Since 1995, the base salary for ARMs has increased by 200%.(1)
Profession mastery
Demonstrate your command of fundamentals in residential property management.
Job advancement
Get the next promotion. 92% of ARMs have supervisory responsibilities and manage a median of six employees.(1)
Ethical performance
Elevate the profession. ARMs adhere to IREM’s Code of Professional Ethics to establish and maintain public confidence in the honesty, integrity, professionalism, and ability of the professional real estate manage.
(1) IREM Profile and Compensation Study 2024 - ARM
About IREM
For more than 90 years, our members have made us the world’s strongest voice for all things real estate management. Almost 20,000 leaders in commercial and residential management call this home for education, support and networking. Our CPM®, ARM®, ACoM®, and AMO® certifications are internationally recognized symbols of ethical leadership and a well-managed property. And our tools deliver decades of on-the-job know-how to help members get even better at what they do. Put simply – IREM and its members are here to elevate the profession. If you know real estate management, come get to know us. irem.org



