Back to search
Rent Arrears and Recovery Officer
This is a frontline role that is critical to both tenant wellbeing and the financial stability of local housing services. As a Rent Arrears and Recovery Officer, you'll work proactively with tenants to manage rent arrears, prevent homelessness, and provide vital support and guidance to those facing financial challenges.
You'll be joining a collaborative and forward-thinking Shared Finance Service team, playing an essential role in sustaining tenancies, maximising income, and promoting financial inclusion.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing a personal caseload of rent arrears accounts for both landlord and non-landlord debts
- Making early, direct contact with tenants to prevent arrears escalation
- Providing advice, negotiating payment arrangements, and where necessary, initiating enforcement action
- Referring tenants to internal and external support agencies for long-term solutions
- Preparing legal documentation and attending court hearings as required
- Working closely with internal housing and social care teams to protect vulnerable tenants
- Actively contributing to service improvement and performance targets
About You
The ideal candidate will bring:
- Experience in housing rent recovery or a similar customer-facing financial environment
- A strong understanding of housing legislation and the impact of welfare reform
- Empathy, resilience, and excellent communication skills - both verbal and written
- The ability to work independently, manage your time effectively, and remain calm under pressure
- Confidence in using housing systems and corporate IT tools
- A full driving licence and willingness to make home visits (some properties are stair-access only)
- Flexibility to occasionally work outside of normal hours
Minimum Requirements
- Five GCSEs including Maths and English (or equivalent)
- Previous experience in rent arrears management or income recovery
- Comfortable handling sensitive tenant issues and representing the council in formal settings (e.g., court)
Desirable
- Degree-level education
- Experience working with multiple agencies to deliver services to residents
