Overview
Private Sector Housing Technical Officer – Luton Borough Council. 37 hours per week. Permanent.
As a Private Sector Housing Technical Officer at Luton Council, you will play a vital role in improving housing conditions across the borough. You will support the delivery of our regulatory functions and strategic housing initiatives aimed at ensuring safe, decent, and energy-efficient homes for residents.
Responsibilities
* Inspect dwellings in line with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and the Decent Homes Standard.
* Assess and process House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence applications.
* Gather intelligence from databases, prepare plans, schedules of work, and detailed reports; make recommendations for enforcement actions where appropriate.
* Inspect completed works, verify compliance through guarantees and gas/electrical completion certificates, and prepare cases for prosecution or Residential Property Tribunals.
* Investigate routine service requests related to properties and individuals; take regulatory action when necessary; consult with relevant professionals, departments, and external agencies.
* Provide advice and guidance on enforcement matters; contribute to Decent Homes, affordable warmth, and home maintenance schemes.
* Refer to the Council’s Home Improvement Agency (HIA), Occupational Therapists, Adult Social Care, and Safeguarding teams where necessary.
* Assist with street and area-based housing surveys; support CPD training sessions on housing-related issues.
* Participate in internal and external training and development opportunities.
About You / Qualifications
* Experience in Private Sector Housing or a related Environmental Health or enforcement role; understanding of local authority enforcement procedures.
* Qualification in Building Construction or Technology (e.g., B/Tech) or equivalent relevant experience.
* Excellent spoken English with the ability to advise and guide landlords, residents, and stakeholders.
* Strong attention to detail; ability to inspect, analyse findings, and produce accurate reports and records.
* Good organizational skills; ability to plan and prioritise workload and work independently or in a team.
* Awareness of discrimination and commitment to inclusive practices.
* Physically capable of building surveys (including ladders, loft/roof spaces); available to work from the office two days per week (09:00–17:00).
* Passion for improving housing standards and strong technical and people skills.
* This is a public-facing role; fluency in English in speaking and writing is required.
Salary and Benefits
Salary: £33,143 – £36,363 per year plus £963 essential car user allowance. Hours per week: 37. Contract type: Permanent.
* From 25 to 32 days’ annual leave (linked to service length and grade).
* Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave.
* Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 20.2% (as of July 2023).
* Relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility).
* Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support.
* Flexible working options including remote/office mix; part-time and alternative patterns considered.
* Training and development opportunities; mentoring and career pathways.
* Staff offers including discounts on MOT, gym, restaurants, etc.
Application Process
On occasions, vacancies may close early due to high volumes of applications. Our “How to apply” page has tips to help with your application.
About Us
Our Luton 2040 Vision focuses on reducing poverty and delivering excellent service to residents. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to a diverse workforce.
Equal Opportunity
We are an inclusive employer. This role does not provide sponsorship.
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