Pay Grade: £26.83p/hour
Duration: 16 weeks 
Directorate: Community
Division: Resident Services
Reports to: Resident Services Operations Manager
Location: Central Office or Remote Working

Role Purpose The Property Officer will deliver efficient and effective leasehold and freehold services within a designated patch, including:

• Managing major work projects, Section 20 statutory consultations, and billing.
• Handling right-to-buy applications, annual service charge calculations, billing, and queries.
• Overseeing income collection, recovery, write-offs, enfranchisement, and lease administration.
• Enforcing lease conditions, addressing breaches, and responding to leaseholder service requests.

The role involves collaborating closely with internal teams (e.g., Asset Management, Legal Services) and external agencies to deliver a high-quality service while ensuring compliance with all relevant laws, policies, and contracts.

Key Responsibilities Income Management

• Manage service charge income for annual and major works.
• Establish contact with leaseholders to resolve non-payment issues, agree repayment plans, and monitor adherence.
• Promote payment methods like Direct Debit and Standing Orders, handle payment transfers, and resolve account queries.

Statutory Consultation & Major Works

• Prepare and oversee statutory consultations, including serving notices, conducting resident meetings, and responding to observations.
• Calculate and bill major works charges, ensuring accuracy and compliance with lease terms and statutory limits.

Legal Action & Leasehold Valuation Tribunal

• Initiate and manage court proceedings for unresolved debts.
• Represent the Council in legal matters, including Leasehold Valuation Tribunal cases, and prepare necessary documentation.

Pre-Assignment, Leasehold, and RTB Sales

• Process Right-to-Buy applications, ensuring adherence to statutory timelines.
• Provide pre-assignment packs and manage lease assignments, updating records and addressing outstanding debts.

Team Working & Collaboration

• Support team initiatives, cover colleagues’ work as needed, and adapt to changes in team priorities.

Other Responsibilities

• Stay updated on legislation affecting leasehold matters.
• Attend meetings and leaseholder surgeries (including evenings) to address concerns.
• Maintain accurate records and produce reports using IT systems.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Commonhold & Leasehold Reform Act 2002 and Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
• Experience in leasehold management, statutory consultation processes, and service charge billing.
• Strong customer focus with excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to interpret complex leases, resolve disputes, and work independently under pressure.
• Proficient in IT systems for managing data, producing reports, and maintaining records.

Qualifications

• Degree-level education or equivalent work experience in a relevant field.

Additional Requirements

• Occasional evening work to attend meetings or resident events.
• Ability to travel for work purposes.