Job Description
Job Title: PRS Lettings Negotiator
Department: Housing Service – Housing Needs
Contract Duration: 23/03/2026 – 31/08/2026
Working Hours: 35 Hours per Week
Working Pattern: 09:00 – 17:00
Rate: (Inside IR35)
Start Date: ASAP
Job Overview
We are seeking a PRS Lettings Negotiator to support the Housing Needs service by securing private rented accommodation at affordable rent levels to meet housing demand. The role will focus on negotiating directly with landlords to procure properties for individuals experiencing housing difficulties, including homelessness prevention and relief cases, residents moving on from supported housing, and households transitioning from temporary accommodation.
The successful candidate will work proactively to expand the supply of suitable private rented homes while ensuring prospective tenants receive the support required to begin and sustain their tenancies.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead on securing private rented accommodation through direct negotiation with landlords to meet housing needs.
* Operate a property sourcing service by generating leads from multiple sources including landlord networks, websites, publications and cold calling.
* Build and maintain relationships with landlords, providing information on available services and assisting with property-related administration.
* Maintain accurate records of landlord contact details and property information.
* Provide guidance to landlords on their responsibilities and how to meet relevant requirements.
* Conduct property inspections and produce inspection reports to assess suitability for households in housing need, identify disrepair issues, and highlight potential health and safety hazards.
* Work closely with Housing Advisors and Housing Needs colleagues to assess prospective tenants’ suitability for private rented accommodation by reviewing housing history, needs assessments and financial circumstances.
* Provide prospective tenants with detailed information about suitable available properties and deliver an effective matching service between tenants and landlords.
* Ensure suitable private rented properties are inspected, advertised and let efficiently in line with agreed procedures.
* Conduct accompanied property viewings and provide advice to tenants and landlords on the letting process.
* Support prospective tenants with Universal Credit or Housing Benefit applications and advise on setting up direct rent payments.
* Liaise with internal teams including the Empty Property Officer, Home Improvement Agency and private sector enforcement services to maximise opportunities for landlords.
* Promote the private renting scheme at landlord and tenant forums, trade events and meetings with letting professionals.
* Contribute to the development of promotional materials to encourage landlord participation.
* Use IT systems to maintain accurate customer and management information records.
* Respond to enquiries and complaints, drafting responses in line with procedures.
* Ensure compliance with financial regulations, particularly those relating to homelessness and fraud prevention.
* Undertake administrative duties including correspondence, telephone enquiries and record keeping.
* Provide temporary service cover where required and maintain clear handover notes during periods of absence.
* Participate in appraisals, performance reviews and service development activities.
* Maintain knowledge of relevant legislation, best practice and council policies through ongoing professional development.
* Ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities including data protection, health and safety, equality and diversity, and safeguarding of vulnerable adults and children.
* Work flexibly across teams and contribute to cross-departmental initiatives when required.
* Undertake any other duties necessary to support service delivery.
Person SpecificationQualifications
* Educated to degree level or equivalent, or demonstrable relevant experience.
Knowledge
* Knowledge of legislation and good practice relating to housing advice, homelessness, housing management and housing allocations.
* Broad understanding of the housing and support needs of homeless applicants and tenants, including benefits.
* Practical knowledge of property standards, health and safety issues, regulatory requirements and relevant policies.
Experience
* Experience of negotiation and telephone-based sales within a sales or procurement environment.
* Experience working in a pressurised and high-profile service environment within a multi-disciplinary team.
* Experience achieving performance targets and meeting service objectives.
* Experience providing advice and information to members of the public and handling enquiries or complaints.
* Experience producing written communications and reports to a professional standard.
* Experience using IT systems to manage caseloads, monitor targets and analyse service delivery data.