Private Sector Housing Officer

Location: Bournemouth, United Kingdom
Contract: Interim

About the role

Our client, a local authority on the south coast, is looking for a Private Sector Housing Officer to join its housing team on an interim basis. The role focuses on improving conditions in privately rented and owner-occupied homes, and will suit someone who can pick up a live caseload and keep it moving.

The successful candidate will investigate complaints about housing conditions, inspect properties and assess hazards using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. Where standards fall short, the role involves working with landlords, tenants and owners to secure improvements, using informal resolution first and formal enforcement where it is needed.

The Private Sector Housing Officer will also support the council’s regulatory work on licensing and landlord compliance, and will work alongside colleagues in environmental health, planning, legal and housing options. Clear communication, sound judgement and well-kept case records are central to the role.

Main responsibilities

• Investigate complaints about housing conditions in the private rented sector and respond within agreed timescales
• Carry out property inspections and assess hazards using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System
• Negotiate with landlords, agents and owners to secure improvements voluntarily where possible
• Prepare and serve statutory notices, including improvement notices and prohibition orders, where formal action is justified
• Support the administration and enforcement of property licensing schemes, including houses in multiple occupation
• Check compliance with relevant regulations covering areas such as fire safety, gas and electrical safety and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Gather and record evidence, and prepare case files to support enforcement, appeals and prosecutions
• Advise tenants and landlords on their rights and responsibilities
• Work with other council teams and partner agencies on shared cases
• Keep case records and databases accurate and up to date

Requirements

• Experience in a private sector housing, environmental health or housing enforcement role within a local authority or comparable setting
• Working knowledge of the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System
• Understanding of the enforcement powers available to local authorities in relation to private rented housing
• Experience of carrying out property inspections and serving statutory notices
• Knowledge of HMO licensing and landlord and tenant legislation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive or contentious cases professionally
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied caseload to deadlines
• Comfortable carrying out site visits independently, with a full driving licence (to be confirmed with the client)
• Able to start at short notice and contribute from the outset

The offer

This is an interim position based in Bournemouth. Rate, start date and contract length are to be confirmed with candidates. The role offers the chance to work within an established local authority team on casework that has a direct effect on the quality of people’s homes.

If you have a private sector housing background and are looking for your next interim assignment, this role offers a clear remit and a team that values practical, well-organised work. Apply below.