Job Description
1 Month Contract with a Local Authority
Summary
* The Private Sector Housing Officer is tasked with delivering a high-quality private sector housing service. This role is crucial in ensuring that private sector homes are safe, habitable, and compliant with legislation. The officer will handle enquiries, service requests, and complaints, assess housing conditions, provide advice, conduct inspections, and enforce actions, including civil penalties. Additionally, the role involves processing property licence applications, investigating breaches, supporting enforcement activities, and contributing to the improvement of standards across private rented homes, including Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
Responsibilities
* Conduct inspections of private rented homes, including complex HMO inspections.
* Assess hazards using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and determine appropriate actions for compliance.
* Draft schedules of work, statutory notices, and enforcement orders.
* Investigate property licences, monitor compliance, and process licensing applications.
* Issue Simple Cautions, Civil Penalty Notices, and prepare Rent Repayment Order cases.
* Prepare and submit prosecution files, and attend court and tribunal hearings as required.
Requirements
* Significant experience using environmental health and housing legislation to raise standards in the private rented sector.
* Experience delivering presentations and briefings to management or external partners.
* Experience preparing evidence and appearing in court/tribunals as a witness.
* Experience managing investigations, preparing enforcement notices, and producing structured written reports.
* Degree or diploma in a relevant area or equivalent operational experience.
* Formal training in investigation skills and techniques.
* Strong practical and theoretical knowledge of housing legislation and private sector housing practice.
* UK driving licence and ability to undertake site visits across the borough.
* Ability to work outside core hours when needed.
Additional Information
* Working hours: 36 hours per week
* Enhanced DBS required.
* Bi-weekly payment schedule.
The role closes soon, apply ASAP.
Requirements
The Private Sector Housing Officer is responsible for delivering a high‑quality private sector housing service that responds promptly to enquiries, service requests, and complaints. The role involves assessing housing conditions, providing advice, undertaking inspections, and taking enforcement action—including civil penalties—to ensure private sector homes are safe, habitable, and compliant with legislation.