Private Sector Housing Officer – Empty Homes
Location: Local Authority near Liverpool (Merseyside Region)
Contract Type: Interim / Temporary
Hours: Full-time (36 hours per week)
Rate: Competitive, negotiable depending on experience (via umbrella or LTD)
Job Purpose
The council is seeking a skilled and proactive Private Sector Housing Officer to lead on the identification, investigation, and resolution of long-term empty homes across the borough. This role is central to the council’s housing strategy, aiming to bring vacant properties back into use to improve housing supply, reduce neighbourhood blight, and support wider regeneration efforts.
You will be responsible for engaging with property owners, assessing housing conditions, and applying enforcement powers where necessary. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of housing legislation, particularly relating to empty homes, and experience working within a local authority housing or environmental health team.
Key Responsibilities
Empty Homes Strategy & Delivery
- Identify and investigate long-term empty properties using council tax data, local intelligence, and field inspections.
- Maintain and update the council’s empty homes database, ensuring accurate records of property status, ownership, and actions taken.
- Develop and implement strategies to bring empty homes back into use, including voluntary engagement and enforcement.
Owner Engagement & Advice
- Contact and engage with property owners to understand reasons for vacancy and encourage action.
- Provide advice on council schemes, financial incentives, and support available for renovation or sale.
- Promote the benefits of bringing properties back into use, including rental income, reduced council tax premiums, and community impact.
Enforcement & Legal Action
- Prepare and issue enforcement notices under relevant legislation, including:
- Housing Act 2004 (Improvement Notices, Prohibition Orders)
- Environmental Protection Act 1990
- Town and Country Planning Act 1990
- Local Government Finance Act (Council Tax Premiums)
- Consider and progress formal enforcement options such as:
- Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs)
- Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs)
- Enforced sale procedures
- Work closely with legal services to ensure enforcement actions are legally sound and effectively implemented.
Partnership Working
- Liaise with internal departments including planning, legal, regeneration, council tax, and social care.
- Build relationships with external partners such as housing associations, developers, and community groups.
- Represent the council at meetings, forums, and public consultations related to housing and regeneration.
Monitoring & Reporting
- Maintain detailed case records and ensure compliance with data protection and council policies.
- Contribute to performance monitoring, including KPIs related to empty homes reduction.
- Prepare reports and briefings for senior managers, elected members, and external stakeholders.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Proven experience in housing enforcement or environmental health within a local authority setting.
- Strong working knowledge of housing legislation, particularly relating to empty homes and property standards.
- Ability to manage a varied caseload independently and meet deadlines.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with property owners and stakeholders.
- Experience preparing enforcement notices and working with legal teams to progress formal action.
- Strong IT skills, including use of housing databases and Microsoft Office.
Desirable Criteria
- HHSRS (Housing Health and Safety Rating System) certification.
- Experience using enforcement tools such as EDMOs, CPOs, or enforced sale procedures.
- Familiarity with housing market dynamics in the North West, particularly Merseyside.
- Knowledge of council tax exemptions and incentives related to empty properties.
- Degree or relevant qualification in Environmental Health, Housing, or a related field.
- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIH, CIEH).
Working Conditions
- Office-based with regular site visits to inspect properties and meet with owners.
- Flexible working arrangements may be available, including hybrid working.
- Travel across the borough required; a valid driving licence and access to a vehicle is desirable.
Benefits of the Role
- Opportunity to make a direct impact on housing supply and community regeneration.
- Work within a supportive and experienced housing team.
- Competitive day rate and flexible working arrangements.
- Exposure to a wide range of housing enforcement tools and strategic housing work.
How to Apply
To apply, click apply and add your CV.
Vivid Resourcing are committed to equality of opportunity for all applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships or any other characteristic protected by law.
