Job Description
5 month contract role with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• The London Borough of Lambeth is seeking a PRS Lettings Negotiator (SO2) to support the Housing Needs service in securing private rented accommodation for residents experiencing housing difficulties.
• The role focuses on sourcing and negotiating affordable private rented sector (PRS) properties to help prevent and relieve homelessness.
• The post holder will work directly with landlords, tenants, and internal housing teams to identify suitable properties, negotiate rental agreements, and facilitate tenancy arrangements.
• The role also involves inspecting properties, supporting prospective tenants, and promoting the Council’s Private Renting Scheme to increase housing supply.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Source and secure private rented sector (PRS) accommodation through negotiation with landlords and letting agents.
• Generate property leads through various channels including landlord networks, property websites, publications, and cold calling.
• Negotiate rental agreements and authorise appropriate payments from the Homelessness Prevention Fund to secure properties.
• Carry out property inspections to assess suitability, identify disrepair issues, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Produce property inspection reports and make recommendations for housing placements.
• Work with Housing Advisors and colleagues to assess prospective tenants’ suitability for private rented accommodation.
• Match tenants to appropriate properties based on their housing needs and financial circumstances.
• Arrange and conduct accompanied property viewings with prospective tenants.
• Provide guidance to tenants regarding tenancy agreements, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, and direct rent payments.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with private landlords and letting professionals.
• Promote the Council’s Private Renting Scheme through landlord forums, trade events, and professional networks.
• Maintain accurate records using housing IT systems and ensure case information is up to date.
• Respond to resident enquiries, complaints, and councillor enquiries in line with council procedures.
• Ensure compliance with housing legislation, council policies, and homelessness prevention duties.
Skills/Experience:
• Experience in property negotiation, lettings, or housing procurement, ideally within the private rented sector.
• Knowledge of housing legislation, homelessness prevention duties, and housing management practices.
• Understanding of private rented sector property standards, health and safety requirements, and housing regulations.
• Experience working in a high-pressure environment managing caseloads and meeting performance targets.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills when working with landlords, tenants, and stakeholders.
• Experience providing housing advice and support to members of the public.
• Ability to conduct property inspections and produce professional reports.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills when assessing tenant suitability and housing options.
• Experience using IT systems for case management, performance monitoring, and data analysis.
• Strong written communication skills for producing reports, correspondence, and case records.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary housing teams.
Additional Information:
• Bi-Weekly Payments.
• Location: Lambeth Civic Centre.
• Hours: 35 hours per week (09:00 – 17:00).
Requirements
• Experience in property negotiation, lettings, or housing procurement, ideally within the private rented sector. • Knowledge of housing legislation, homelessness prevention duties, and housing management practices. • Understanding of private rented sector property standards, health and safety requirements, and housing regulations. • Experience working in a high-pressure environment managing caseloads and meeting performance targets. • Strong negotiation and communication skills when working with landlords, tenants, and stakeholders. • Experience providing housing advice and support to members of the public. • Ability to conduct property inspections and produce professional reports. • Good analytical and problem-solving skills when assessing tenant suitability and housing options. • Experience using IT systems for case management, performance monitoring, and data analysis. • Strong written communication skills for producing reports, correspondence, and case records. • Ability to work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary housing teams.