Home Ownership Officer

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To provide specialist leasehold and home ownership management services, ensuring the accurate calculation, notification, billing and recovery of service charges, major works charges, shared ownership rent and ground rent in accordance with lease terms and relevant legislation.

The post holder will be responsible for undertaking Section 20 consultations, providing expert advice and support to leaseholders, shared owners and housing colleagues, and assisting with the effective recovery of homeowner income to support the financial viability of the Housing Revenue Account.

Key Responsibilities

• Calculate, notify and bill estimated and actual service charges, including major works charges, shared ownership rent and ground rent.
  


• Ensure all charges are calculated and recovered in accordance with lease terms, relevant legislation and Council policies.
  


• Undertake Section 20 consultations under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (as amended), ensuring statutory and lease requirements are fully complied with.
  


• Manage and administer leasehold consultation processes for qualifying works and long-term agreements.
  


• Provide specialist advice, information and guidance to leaseholders, shared owners and housing staff on service charges, major works, leases and relevant legislation.
  


• Respond to enquiries, complaints and disputes relating to service charges, major works and leasehold matters.
  


• Explain complex leasehold and service charge issues clearly to homeowners and colleagues.
  


• Work closely with repairs, major works, finance, legal and housing teams to ensure accurate charging and effective service delivery.
  


• Assist collection officers in maximising recovery of homeowner rents, service charges, major works charges and other related income.
  


• Monitor outstanding accounts and contribute to effective income recovery and debt management.
  


• Maintain accurate records and documentation relating to leasehold accounts, consultations and charges.
  


• Ensure all work complies with relevant legislation, lease provisions, regulatory requirements and Council procedures.
  


• Support the effective financial management and viability of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).
  


• Undertake other appropriate duties within the scope of the role as required.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Demonstrable experience of leasehold management within a housing environment.
  


• Practical experience of undertaking Section 20 consultations under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 is essential.
  


• Strong knowledge of leasehold management and relevant legislation.
  


• Experience calculating and administering service charges and/or major works charges.
  


• Knowledge and understanding of lease terms and their application to service charges, major works, ground rent and shared ownership.
  


• Experience dealing with leaseholder enquiries, complaints and disputes.
  


• Experience providing clear advice and guidance on complex housing and leasehold matters.
  


• Understanding of income collection and debt recovery in relation to homeowner accounts.
  


• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with excellent attention to detail.
  


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  


• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
  


• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet statutory and operational deadlines.
  


• Ability to work effectively with internal teams, external contractors and homeowners.
  


• Good IT skills and experience maintaining accurate housing and financial records.
  

Desirable

• Experience working within a local authority housing service.
  


• Experience of shared ownership management.
  


• Knowledge of major works and associated consultation requirements.
  


• Experience using housing management and/or service charge systems.
  


• Knowledge of Housing Revenue Account requirements.
  


• Relevant housing, property management or leasehold qualification.
  

Additional Information

Hours per Week: 36 Hours

Location: Waltham Forest - Hybrid working / Council office and remote working, as required

Bi-Weekly Payments: Payment will be made on a bi-weekly basis.