Private Housing Standards Officer

About the role

The Private Housing Standards Officer will work on behalf of the local authority to protect tenants and improve the quality of private rented housing. This full‑time, hybrid role combines on‑site inspections with occasional remote work, offering a competitive hourly rate.

Key responsibilities

• Investigate complaints about poor housing conditions in the private rented sector.
• Conduct property inspections and assess hazards using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
• Inspect and enforce standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and carry out licensing assessments.
• Advise landlords, managing agents and tenants on legal housing standards.
• Prepare schedules of work, negotiate improvements and take enforcement action where required.
• Draft and serve statutory notices under the Housing Act 2004.
• Monitor compliance, conduct follow‑up inspections and maintain detailed case records.
• Support policy development aimed at raising housing standards across the borough.

Required profile

• Experience in private‑sector housing enforcement and HMO licensing.
• Familiarity with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and the Housing Act 2004.
• Background in environmental health or housing standards within a local authority.
• Proven ability to manage complex enforcement cases from investigation to resolution.

Required skills

• Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) assessment
• HMO licensing regulations knowledge
• Housing Act 2004 compliance expertise

What we offer

• Hourly rate of £40
• 3‑month ongoing umbrella contract
• Standard working hours: Monday‑Friday, 9 am‑5 pm
• Hybrid work pattern: 4 days onsite, 1 day remote