Private Sector Housing Officer

Carrington West; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A housing regulations organization in Guildford is seeking an experienced Private Sector Housing Officer to enhance housing conditions and enforce regulations. The role involves inspecting properties, investigating complaints, and working with landlords and tenants. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in housing inspections and environmental health. This opportunity allows for significant impact in improving living conditions in the community.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in private sector housing inspections and regulation.
• Good working knowledge of housing, environmental health, and landlord-tenant legislation.
• Experience in conducting investigations and handling enforcement cases.

Responsibilities

• Conduct property inspections to assess hazards under HHSRS.
• Investigate housing complaints and ensure compliance.
• Prepare statutory notices and represent the council in court.

Skills

Private sector housing inspections

Environmental health knowledge

Strong communication skills

Negotiation skills

Organisational skills

Education

HHSRS training or qualification in Environmental Health

Job description

We're recruiting an experienced and motivated Private Sector Housing Officer to join a proactive housing team delivering high standards of private sector regulation and enforcement. This is an excellent opportunity for a professional with experience in housing inspections, environmental health, or property compliance to make a direct impact on improving housing conditions and protecting residents in the private rented sector.

You’ll play a key role in ensuring homes across the borough are safe, well‑maintained, and compliant with legal and regulatory standards. Working across a varied caseload, you’ll investigate complaints, inspect properties, enforce housing standards, and work closely with landlords, tenants, and partner agencies to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement.

The role requires the successful candidate to be in the office/site 3 days a week and have access to a vehicle.

The Role

• Carry out property inspections under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to assess and address hazards.
• Investigate housing complaints, illegal evictions, and harassment cases, ensuring compliance with housing and environmental health legislation.
• Undertake inspections of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and caravan sites, ensuring adherence to licensing and safety requirements.
• Prepare statutory notices, reports, and evidence for enforcement action, including representing the council in court proceedings.
• Liaise with landlords, tenants, and managing agents to negotiate practical solutions and secure compliance.
• Support the delivery of energy efficiency programmes and initiatives to improve housing conditions.
• Maintain accurate case records and contribute to performance reporting and service planning.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners including Social Services, the Fire Authority, and Health Services.
• Provide technical advice and guidance to landlords, tenants, and other stakeholders on housing standards and best practice.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in private sector housing inspections and regulation.
• Good working knowledge of housing, environmental health, and landlord‑tenant legislation.
• HHSRS training or qualification in Environmental Health (degree or equivalent) is desirable.
• Experience in conducting investigations, preparing statutory notices, and handling enforcement cases.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with landlords, tenants, and partner agencies.
• Excellent organisational and analytical skills with the ability to manage a varied caseload and prioritise competing demands.
• Confident preparing reports and presenting evidence in legal or formal settings.
• A positive, flexible approach to problem‑solving and delivering high‑quality outcomes.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for site visits.
• Willingness to occasionally work outside normal office hours when required.

What You Need to Do Now

If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please click APPLY NOW and send us your application today.

If you do not hear from us within 48 hours of applying, your application has been unsuccessful.

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