RHLS works with community groups in Pennsylvania and Delaware interested in creating or preserving affordable housing. The services that RHLS provides come at no cost to our client organizations.
Our clients include:
Emerging and experienced nonprofit housing developers and operators Volunteer-led, community-based organizations Community Development Corporations Providers of services for those experiencing homelessness Providers of social services and/or supportive housing Tenant cooperatives Resident associations of manufactured home communities Organizations associated with local government entities or housing authorities Unincorporated groups looking to make a difference in their communities
RHLS attorneys can help offer support on a wide range of matters related to housing and community development. We encourage interested groups to talk with our Outreach Coordinator or one of our attorneys to learn more about what we can do for your community.
Some of the matters we typically provide extended representation for include:
The planning and pre-development of affordable housing funded by Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)
Entity structuring & nonprofit governance — Advising on entity selection, mergers, IRS compliance, partnerships, and joint venture formation
Project financing & deal structure — Securing construction and permanent financing, negotiating mortgage terms, and reviewing financing documents
Formation of Community Land Trusts (CLTs)
Navigating complex regulatory & funding structures — Leveraging LIHTC, HUD programs, tax exemptions, and other subsidies
Construction & contract oversight — Drafting architect and construction documents
Preservation — Solutions, technical assistance, and legal help for preserving existing naturally occurring and subsidized housing
Formation of tenant cooperatives
Site acquisition— Overseeing acquisitions, including due diligence, title analysis, and document review
Fair housing concerns – Review of tenant selection plans and guidance on designations for special populations
Other development pillars — Community economic inclusion (e.g., Section 3 hiring), mixed-use/commercial integration, mobile home park conversions, single-room occupancy (SRO), cooperatives, and land-trust models
