Rural Development (RD) operators manage some of the most regulated properties in affordable housing, yet they remain among the most underserved by traditional software vendors. With HOTMA enforcement deadlines approaching and USDA workflows growing more complex, rural teams need technology built specifically for RD compliance.
Why RD Properties Need Purpose-Built Technology
RD housing isn’t just another affordable program. It has its own workflows, certifications, reporting requirements, and budget processes, and those differences are substantial.
- The USDA’s rural rental portfolio includes more than 14,000 properties, each operating under strict federal oversight (USDA Rural Development).
- According to the Housing Assistance Council, 88% of RD tenants receive rental assistance, making accurate, timely compliance reporting critical to property viability (National Affordable Housing Management Association).
- The Council for Affordable and Rural Housing (CARH) has confirmed that all MFH tenant certifications effective on or after July 1, 2025 must comply with this year's new HOTMA implementation—though, if "between July 1,2025 and January 1, 2026, RD will not penalize MFH owners for HOTMA-related tenant files errors during supervisory reviews" (CARH HOTMA Implementation Notice).
With these pressures, operators managing RD properties need software that understands USDA, not systems retrofitted from conventional multifamily.
What Modern RD Compliance Software Must Deliver
RD operators don’t just need more technology—they need tools that meaningfully reduce the burden of USDA compliance. Modern software should:
- Eliminate repetitive administrative work, especially around certifications, budgeting, and reporting.
- Reduce the risk of errors, which can jeopardize funding and slow down approvals.
- Support the full complexity of USDA programs, including layered RD/LIHTC/HUD compliance.
- Centralize information, making it easier for small teams managing large geographic regions to operate efficiently.
- Ensure data accuracy across properties, especially for teams submitting MINC files or annual budgets.
- Scale with evolving regulations, including HOTMA, income limit changes, and new reporting structures.
In short, operators need software that understands the nature of RD work, including (but not limited to) lean teams, tight timelines, and strict program rules. More importantly, it needs to meet those challenges with a solution that provides automation, structure, and clarity. Now, how can you get all three?
How ResMan Affordable Supports Rural Operators
ResMan Affordable supports RD properties with:
- Multi-site MINC reporting & USDA-aligned budgeting: Combine certifications across properties into a single MINC file and generate pre-populated RD annual budgets using GL data and USDA formulas.
- Layered RD, LIHTC & HUD program support: Manage all funding layers within one system to reduce duplicate work and ensure certifications follow the correct compliance rules.
- Centralized regional waitlists: Automatically determine applicant order based on your Tenant Selection Plan and eliminate inconsistent, site-by-site tracking.
- Automation for repetitive compliance tasks: Automatically update income limits, send recertification notices, and trigger EIV reminders — saving time and reducing human error.
- Compliance Center + digital leasing & document storage: Get full visibility into compliance tasks across your portfolio while completing applications, signing leases, and storing documents electronically.
The Future of RD Compliance Starts with Modernization
As rural communities face aging housing stock, resource constraints, and evolving regulations, operators must rely on software that supports long-term sustainability. Platforms built for USDA workflows give teams the clarity, accuracy, and efficiency they need to stay ahead.
With ResMan, rural teams gain the clarity and confidence to move past constant compliance pressures and stay focused on what matters most: the communities they serve.
👉 See how ResMan Affordable keeps your RD compliance on track for 2026 and beyond — even when the regulations don’t stand still. Schedule your walkthrough today.
