Private Sector Housing Officer

Luton Council; Luton; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Luton Council is seeking an experienced Private Sector Housing Officer to improve housing conditions across the borough, conducting inspections of dwellings and HMOs under HHSRS, Decent Homes Standard and housing legislation.

The postholder will investigate complaints, handle enforcement actions including Civil Penalty Notices and Rent Repayment Orders, and present evidence at court or tribunals as required.

Job description

Luton Council is seeking an experienced Private Sector Housing Officer to play a key role in improving housing conditions and protecting residents across the borough. The role will involve carrying out inspections of dwellings and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in accordance with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), Decent Homes Standard and relevant housing legislation.

The postholder will investigate complex housing complaints and service requests, identify unlicensed HMOs and take appropriate enforcement action where necessary. This will include preparing cases for prosecution, issuing Civil Penalty Notices, applying for Rent Repayment Orders and presenting evidence at court and Residential Property Tribunals.

The role will also involve overseeing works in default, resolving disputes and undertaking associated technical and financial duties, including arranging interim and final payments. The successful candidate will provide professional recommendations on a wide range of housing matters and work closely with Council departments, partner agencies, landlords, businesses and residents to achieve compliance.

In addition, the postholder will provide specialist advice, mentoring and support to less experienced officers and trainees, contribute to the development of procedures and guidance, and support departmental initiatives focused on improving housing standards, energy efficiency and affordable warmth.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to improving the quality, safety and sustainability of private sector housing across Luton.

We are looking for an experienced housing professional with a strong background in Environmental Health, Private Sector Housing, rogue landlord enforcement or a similar regulatory environment. You will have a good understanding of Local Authority enforcement procedures, housing legislation, building construction and building services, with experience of dealing with complex housing cases.

You will be confident communicating with residents, landlords, professionals and partner agencies, with the ability to negotiate, influence and present information effectively. You will be able to analyse complex situations, undertake property inspections, compile evidence and produce clear reports with professional recommendations.

Experience of Court or Residential Property Tribunal proceedings, public enquiries or Local Government Ombudsman investigations would be desirable. Strong organisational, IT and teamwork skills are essential, along with an understanding of equality and diversity in service delivery.

You will need relevant enforcement experience or an appropriate Environmental Health qualification/registration, with a building-related qualification being desirable. The role also requires the ability to travel across the borough and undertake property inspections, including accessing loft and roof spaces., Applicants for this public-facing post will need to demonstrate the ability to converse, and provide effective help or advice, fluently in spoken English

On occasions, we may close a vacancy early due to a very high number of applications being received.

Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision - that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty - is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents.

The people of Luton depend heavily on this council - and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?

Please to learn about Luton Council Employee Benefits.