Leasehold Officer

Summary

Join Brentwood Borough Council as a Leasehold Officer on a 6 to 12-month contract, earning £25 per hour under an umbrella arrangement. In this role, you will oversee the administration and management of leasehold services, including service charges, major works, shared ownership properties, Right to Buy applications, and leasehold income recovery. Your responsibilities will include ensuring accurate expenditure accounting, maintaining high customer service standards, and supporting effective leasehold property management. You will manage leaseholder accounts, monitor and recover arrears, issue Section 20 notices, and ensure compliance with housing regulations, Council policies, and statutory requirements. Collaboration with residents, legal services, contractors, and internal teams is essential to deliver an efficient and customer-focused service.

Responsibilities

Administer service charges, shared ownership accounts, major works billing, and leasehold income collection.
Prepare and maintain accurate financial records for annual estimated and actual service charge accounts.
Monitor outstanding debts and initiate recovery actions in line with leasehold legislation and Council procedures.
Issue and manage Section 20 consultation notices according to statutory requirements and timelines.
Collaborate with leaseholders, contractors, legal services, and internal departments on leasehold matters.
Facilitate the administration of Right to Buy applications, including fraud checks and solicitor liaison.
Respond to lease permission requests and apply administration charges as necessary.
Coordinate with repairs and maintenance teams on major works projects.
Negotiate repayment plans for leasehold arrears and ensure compliance.
Prepare cases for legal recovery action, monitor progress, and recommend write-offs when appropriate.
Maintain accurate computerized and manual records using housing management and financial systems.
Generate regular performance and income collection reports.
Review and contribute to the enhancement of leasehold policies, procedures, and practices.
Participate in tenant meetings and engage with residents to enhance service delivery.
Stay informed about housing legislation, leasehold management practices, and regulatory changes.
Provide support to colleagues as part of the broader Estate Management team.

Requirements

Essential Experience Required

Experience in leasehold management, housing, property management, or within a local authority.
Strong understanding of Section 20 consultation processes and leasehold legislation.
Experience managing service charges, leaseholder accounts, and major works billing.
Proven track record in monitoring and recovering service charge arrears and housing-related debts.
Experience handling customer inquiries, complaints, and complex leasehold cases.
Experience working with legal services, contractors, residents, and external agencies.
Ability to maintain accurate records and produce financial and performance reports.
Experience managing deadlines and a varied workload in a customer-focused environment.

Essential Qualifications Required

Good educational background, with proficiency in spoken and written English and numeracy.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Knowledge of leasehold management, housing legislation, service charges, and Right to Buy processes.
Relevant qualification in housing, property management, customer service, or business administration, or equivalent experience.

Additional Information

Working hours: 37 hours per week
Hybrid working: Office-based 3 to 4 days per week, with 1 to 2 days home working.
Payment schedule: Bi-weekly
Driving license required
Interviews scheduled for Wednesday, 9th September, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm
Application deadline: 9th September 2026, apply ASAP.