Overview
Job Title: Leasehold Manager
Employer: Guildford Borough Council
Location: Guildford
Contract Type: Ongoing contract
Salary Range: £350-£450 per day (DOE)
Job Purpose
To lead the management of the Council's leasehold and shared ownership portfolio, ensuring statutory and contractual compliance while delivering a high-quality service to residents. The post holder will oversee service charge setting and collection, Section 20 consultation, leaseholder engagement, and dispute resolution, while working collaboratively with colleagues across housing, legal, and finance.
Responsibilities
Leasehold & Homeownership Management
* Oversee the day-to-day management of the Council's leasehold and shared ownership homes.
* Ensure lease terms, statutory requirements and landlord obligations are consistently met.
* Lead on Section 20 consultation for major works and service charge changes.
* Draft, review and issue service charge estimates, actuals and final accounts.
Financial & Service Charge Oversight
* Ensure accurate cost capture and apportionment of service charges.
* Work closely with finance teams to reconcile accounts and resolve discrepancies.
* Support external audit processes by providing detailed expenditure reports and responses to queries.
Resident Engagement & Dispute Resolution
* Act as the primary point of contact for leaseholders on service charge and lease issues.
* Handle complex queries, complaints and tribunal cases in a professional and timely manner.
* Promote positive leaseholder engagement and communication.
Leadership & Collaboration
* Manage and support leasehold officers within the team.
* Build effective working relationships with housing, repairs, legal and asset management colleagues.
* Contribute to policy development and continuous service improvement initiatives.
Person Specification
Knowledge & Skills
* In-depth knowledge of leasehold legislation, including Landlord & Tenant Act 1985, Commonhold & Leasehold Reform Act 2002, and Section 20 consultation requirements.
* Strong understanding of service charge processes, accounting principles and financial controls.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex information clearly.
* Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
* Proficiency in housing/finance systems and advanced Excel.
Experience
* Proven track record managing leasehold and shared ownership homes, ideally within a local authority or housing association.
* Experience of preparing and managing service charge accounts and working with auditors.
* Handling resident queries, disputes, and tribunal/court cases.
* Line management or supervisory experience desirable.
Qualifications
* Relevant housing or property qualification (CIH, IRPM, RICS) desirable.
* Evidence of continuous professional development
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