Housing Assistant.

Duties.

• check termination and commencement of tenancies data is correct prior to updating the information onto the computer and make any adjustments to the rental system;
• control, balance and update the weekly rent debit to ensure that the weekly adjustments, tenancy changes, voids and sales have been implemented. Undertake checks to ensure that the cash and housing benefit received balances with the rental;
• update individual accounts for additions/deletions to personal charges, e.g. insurance, concessionary TV licence charges;
• ensure that rent payments can be made by a variety of means, e.g. issuing rent cards, swipe cards, direct debit and bankers order mandates as appropriate;
• responsible for the efficient processing and monitoring of direct debit payments of rent, abiding by defined timescales. Provide advice to tenants on the direct debit system and any payment irregularities. Liaise with housing officers on actions taken;
• audit rent accounts, liaising with tenants, housing officers, housing benefits staff, cashiers, banks, building societies and post office counters. Investigate and correct any payment discrepancies. Explain the findings and actions taken to the tenants;
• calculate final balances on the rents accounts of former tenants. Trace the former tenants where there is a balance on the rent accounts. Prove balances and negotiate payments in cases of rent arrears, and arrange transfer or refunds of any credit balances. Monitor former tenant arrears, pursuing payment in accordance with procedure and reporting complex cases to the Senior Housing Officer for further action;
• add all court costs to the individual rent accounts as instructed by the Housing Officers;
• monitor rent accounts for large credit balances. Audit accounts to prove the credit balances. Arrange a refund or following liaison with other internal departments, facilitate a transfer of monies to pay off other council debts;
• support the Senior Housing Officer (Rents) with the "year end" procedure, checking the rental prior to close down, producing year end balance statements, organising the distribution of rent increase letter and rent cards.

Please call Bronte on 0208 418 7677