Private Sector Housing Officer - Mandatory Licensing

Park Avenue Recruitment; Sulham; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Local Authority in the South East is recruiting for an HMO Inspection Officer on a contract basis. The role focuses on completing mandatory HMO inspections, recording findings and conducting initial follow-up with landlords to clear a backlog of inspections.

Typical properties are large HMOs, with inspections conducted in concentrated areas. The position emphasises practical Housing Standards experience over formal EHO qualifications, with possible witness statements if enforcement is required.

Qualifications

• Experience with Housing Act 2004, HHSRS, and HMO licensing is beneficial.
• Practical experience of Housing Standards inspections and ability to complete inspections independently.
• Not required to be a fully qualified EHO; practical inspection experience is key.

Responsibilities

• Complete mandatory HMO/Housing Standards inspections.
• Identify hazards and remedial works required.
• Record and report inspection findings.
• Contact landlords and managing agents after inspections.
• Carry out initial follow-up on outstanding works.
• Maintain clear case notes and inspection records.
• Potential witness statements if cases progress to enforcement.

Skills

HMO inspections

Housing Standards

Landlord liaison

Record keeping

Job description

HMO Inspection Officer - Outside IR35

Local Authority - South East

£45-£55 per hour

Outside IR35

I'm working with a Local Authority looking to bring in additional Housing Standards resource to help clear a backlog of approximately 200 mandatory HMO inspections.

This is a project-focused assignment with a clear remit: complete HMO inspections, record findings and carry out the initial follow-up with landlords.

The role is not a full enforcement caseload. Where landlords fail to comply after the initial follow-up, cases will be passed back to the Council's permanent team for formal enforcement action.

Typical properties are 5-6 bedroom HMOs, and properties are located within relatively concentrated areas.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Completing mandatory HMO/Housing Standards inspections.
• Identifying hazards and required remedial works.
• Recording and reporting inspection findings.
• Contacting landlords and managing agents following inspections.
• Carrying out initial follow-up regarding outstanding works.
• Maintaining clear case notes and inspection records.
• Potentially providing witness statements where cases progress to enforcement.

You do not necessarily need to be a fully qualified EHO. The key requirement is practical experience of Housing Standards and enough confidence to complete HMO inspections independently.

Experience across Housing Act 2004, HHSRS, HMO licensing and Housing Standards inspections would be particularly beneficial.

The Council is aiming to clear the backlog within the current financial year.

Rate: £45-£55 per hour

IR35: Outside IR35

Start: As soon as possible