Rent Recovery Officer (Part-Time)
Location: South Woodford
Salary: £15,000 - £22,500 per annum (15-20 hours per week)
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: 3-4 days per week, flexible hours (office-based only)
An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Rent Recovery Officer to join the Management Department at an established and highly respected Letting & Management organisation. This role is working with is one of London's leading Rent Guarantee Service Provision Specialists, working closely with Local and Central Government to procure properties that fulfil Emergency Housing requirements.
We are seeking a dynamic, organised and articulate individual with proven social housing rent recovery experience. The successful candidate will be resilient, target-driven and confident managing complex arrears cases.
Key Responsibilities
Arrears Management
Monitor rent accounts to identify early-stage arrears
Take prompt and effective recovery action in line with company policy
Universal Credit Specialism
Provide expert support to tenants managing Universal Credit claims
Assist with Housing Element applications to ensure accurate and timely payments
Alternative Payment Arrangements (APAs)
Identify high-risk cases
Apply for Managed Payments to Landlords and third-party deductions where appropriate
Tenancy Sustainment
Conduct affordability assessments and income/expenditure reviews
Negotiate sustainable repayment plans to prevent homelessness
Legal Action and Court Support
Prepare possession claims and supporting evidence
Assist with County Court hearings where necessary
Liaise with court-appointed bailiffs following possession orders
Partnership Working
Act as key liaison with Local Authority Housing Benefit teams
Resolve complex payment disputes and benefit-related issues
Experience and Knowledge
Proven experience in rent collection or debt recovery within a Local Authority or Housing Association
Strong understanding of Welfare Reform and Universal Credit
Knowledge of Landlord and Tenant legislation and the Pre-Action Protocol for Rent Arrears
Experience assisting tenants with Discretionary Housing Payments and hardship funds
Skills Required
Strong negotiation skills with the ability to balance empathy and firmness
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to draft legal notices and court documentation
Proficiency in housing management systems and Microsoft Office
High level of numerical accuracy and attention to detail
Person Specification
Resilient and professional when managing challenging caseloads
Target-driven with a focus on arrears reduction KPIs
Highly organised with the ability to meet strict legal deadlines
Benefits
Birthday holiday entitlement
1.5 additional days annual leave for every two years of service (capped at six extra days)
Future company healthcare options
Bonus and additional earning incentives
This role would suit an experienced Rent Recovery professional seeking a flexible, part-time position within a well-established and reputable property organisation