Leasehold Officer

Are you ready to take on a dynamic and rewarding role in Leasehold Services? Torus Group is seeking a committed and detail-oriented Leasehold Officer to join our team. In this role, you'll play a vital part in delivering a full Right to Buy (RTB) and Right to Acquire (RTA) service through to completion, while supporting the effective management of leaseholders, shared owners, outright freeholders, and Rent to Buy tenants. You'll assist the Leasehold Manager with major works consultations, service charge administration, and providing expert advice to residents, staff, and external agencies. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment where your expertise and dedication will ensure high-quality service delivery. If you're enthusiastic, proactive, and passionate about making a difference, we'd love to hear from you.,

• Deal promptly with customer enquiries and requests for information.
• Administer the efficient processing of RTB/RTA sales applications up to completion stage, including calculation of discount
entitlement. Use the National Anti Fraud Network (NAFN) software to check the eligibility of RTB/RTA applicants. Liaise with relevant teams to obtain Cost Floor and other relevant information.
• Process Buyback requests (RTB and RTA) and liaise with the relevant teams within Torus.
• Be responsible for dealing with all aspects of leasehold management, acting as the main contact on all aspects of leasehold
matters.
• Provide an effective and efficient arrears recovery service for all leaseholders, Shared Owners, Outright Leaseholders,
Outright Freeholders, and Rent to Buy tenants. Take enforcement action as appropriate for each tenure group including issuing NISPs, applying to Court - Money Claims Online (MCOL) and Possession Claim Online (PCOL), complying with Pre Action Protocol and Pre Debt Protocol. Attend Court for Possession Hearings and Enforce Warrants when required. Contact lenders for consolidated payments and liaise with welfare agencies.
• Assess eligibility and qualifying applicants (Rent to Buy and shared ownership), following an assessment, ensuring the
validation of any relevant documentation.
• Provide a comprehensive and professional management service for Rent to Buy tenants including property viewings, sign up,
administering deposits, collection of advance rental payments, checking inventories, service and enforcing Section 21s, marketing of properties, referencing, affordability checks, tenancy management, and all other related matters. Administer any Rent Guarantee schemes that are applicable. Assist with the scheme appraisal process prior to the initial 5-year period ending.
• Provide a comprehensive and professional property management service for Shared Owners including property viewings, setting up
new accounts, and sign up.
• Manage the processing of Re-Sales and Staircasing applications, scheme inspections, including liaising with the customer
regarding property valuation, the in-house legal team, and the Leaseholder's Solicitor.
• Ensure that any void properties (Rent to Buy) are inspected for repairs, properly secured, and that they are handed over from
Housing Maintenance Services in accordance with agreed timescales.
• Be a key player and represent the Leasehold Team at new build site meetings to ensure potential management issues are taken
into account.
• Achieve agreed targets from handover of properties to letting for Rent to Buy properties.
• Liaise with relevant teams in respect of defect reporting on new build schemes.
• Attend the First Tier Tribunal as required in order to provide information and supporting evidence in the event of a
leaseholder appeal.
• Liaise with colleagues in the relevant teams for major works and long term qualifying agreements undertaking statutory
consultation in accordance with the procedures and timescales laid down in the legislation, issuing notices and supporting information as required and raising accounts for works on completion, in accordance with financial arrangements.
• Following completion of major works and long term qualifying agreements, ensure that the correct service charge has been
applied, dealing with queries and account adjustments as required.
• Work with the Torus Finance Team to ensure that statutory requirements are met and that leaseholders receive accurate annual
service charge estimates and year-end actual statements, ensuring the production of bills and statements are processed accordingly.
• Liaise with Managing Agents in regard to estate fees, Ground Rent demands, management issues, etc.
• Process applications requiring consent under the lease, responding within set timescales and raising administration charges
where the lease allows.
• Act on any breaches of leases which require enforcement action and ensure that leaseholders are aware of their responsibilities
under their lease, including but not limited to anti-social behaviour, non-payment of payments due, unauthorised alterations to properties, etc.
• Undertake training and attend meetings as required and directed by line manager. Provide comprehensive assistance in all areas
within the Leasehold Services team, including training other staff in relation to the duties of the post where required.
• Operate any locally based computer systems, relating to the work of the team, and have good experience and knowledge of the
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook etc.).
• Attend best practice forums as required.
• Undertake any additional duties that are reasonably commensurate with this post.
  
  Proven experience in leasehold management
• Proficient in using housing-related IT systems
• Demonstrated experience in arrears management and debt recovery
• Strong numerical and analytical skills
• In-depth knowledge of Right to Buy and Right to Acquire processes
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills
• Track record of meeting performance targets
• Capable of working independently, prioritising tasks to meet deadlines
• Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal skills
• Experienced in engaging with the public in a professional manner
• Holder of a valid, clean driving licence
Interview Process:
• Candidates will undergo in-person interviews, consisting of a competency-based interview. Please note that applications will be
shortlisted in the New Year, and all candidates will receive feedback on the outcome of their application during the week commencing 6th January 2025. Additional Information: Each successful applicant will be required to complete the following pre-employment checks prior to a start date being agreed:
• Right to work verification
• Qualification certificate check
• 2x Completed references
• OH Health Questionnaire - Fit For Work
• DBS check (if required for role)