Private Sector Housing Officer

Pertemps Harrow; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Harrow Council is seeking a Private Sector Housing Officer to help improve housing standards across the borough. Hybrid working with the London Borough of Harrow, you will inspect privately rented properties, investigate complaints, and enforce housing legislation.

You will work with landlords and residents, produce reports and notices, and prioritise a varied caseload. A solid background in private sector housing or environmental health and knowledge of Housing Act 2004 and HHSRS are essential.

Qualifications

• Housing legislation knowledge including Housing Act 2004 and HHSRS.
• Experience undertaking private sector property inspections and enforcement.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and report writing skills.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and prioritise workload.
• Driving licence and access to a vehicle desirable.

Responsibilities

• Carry out inspections of privately rented properties.
• Investigate complaints relating to housing conditions and nuisances.
• Enforce housing legislation including Housing Act 2004.
• Identify hazards under HHSRS and assess risk.
• Prepare and serve statutory notices and enforcement actions.
• Collaborate with landlords, tenants and agents to improve standards.
• Provide guidance on private sector housing legislation and best practice.
• Maintain records and prepare evidence for proceedings.

Skills

Housing legislation

Inspection experience

Negotiation skills

Report writing

Communication skills

Driving licence

Job description

Job Title: Private Sector Housing Officer
Location: Hybrid working, London Borough of Harrow
Payrate: £41.24 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract Opportunity

Are you an experienced Private Sector Housing Officer looking for your next contract opportunity? The London Borough of Harrow is seeking a knowledgeable and proactive housing professional to join their team and help improve housing standards across the borough.

This is an excellent opportunity to work within a dynamic local authority environment, ensuring compliance with housing legislation and supporting residents in accessing safe and suitable accommodation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Carry out inspections of privately rented residential properties.
• Investigate complaints relating to housing conditions, disrepair, overcrowding, and statutory nuisances.
• Enforce housing legislation including the Housing Act 2004 and associated regulations.
• Assess and identify Category 1 and Category 2 hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
• Prepare and serve statutory notices and undertake enforcement action where required.
• Work with landlords, tenants, managing agents, and other stakeholders to improve housing standards.
• Provide advice and guidance regarding private sector housing legislation and best practice.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare evidence for legal proceedings where necessary.

Essential Requirements:

• Experience working within a Private Sector Housing or Environmental Health team.
• Strong knowledge of housing legislation, including the Housing Act 2004 and HHSRS.
• Experience undertaking property inspections and enforcement activities.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and prioritise workload effectively.
• Competent in producing reports, notices, and case records.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is desirable.

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.