Private Sector Housing Officer - Private Sector Housing Team

Reading Borough Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in the UK seeks a Private Sector Housing Officer to lead a project addressing damp and mould in the rental sector. This role involves collaboration with landlords and tenants, ensuring compliance with housing standards, and improving living conditions. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of housing legislation and strong communication skills. A competitive salary and benefits package is offered, along with the opportunity for hybrid working.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Flexible working opportunities

Local Government Pension Scheme

Life Assurance

Season Ticket Loan

Qualifications

• Experience inspecting houses and managing a diverse caseload.
• Knowledge of the Housing Act 2004 and HHSRS.
• Ability to handle issues related to damp, mould, and fire safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects addressing damp and mould in the rented sector.
• Work with landlords and tenants to improve housing conditions.
• Investigate housing complaints and enforce legislation.
• Manage cases related to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

Skills

Strong communication skills

Negotiation skills

Understanding of housing legislation

Project management experience

Risk assessment skills

Job description

Full time - 37 hours per week - Fixed term for 18 months

Do you have a passion for protecting residents, raising housing standards, and making a real difference in your community? Reading Borough Council’s Private Sector Housing Team is seeking a dedicated Private Sector Housing Officer to help us ensure that homes in the private rented sector are safe, well‑maintained, and meet statutory requirements.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

We support hybrid working, it’s important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you’ll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.

About the role

You will lead on a targeted project addressing damp and mould in the private rented sector. This initiative will involve enhanced interventions in selected cases, working closely with tenants, landlords and partner agencies to identify causes, implement solutions and improve living conditions of those affected by damp and mould.

The project also aims to educate tenants, landlords and other professionals on factors that contribute to condensation, damp and associated mould growth in the home, in an effort to reduce condensation dampness and improve the quality of accommodation across all rented tenures.

You’ll work closely with landlords, tenants, and partner agencies, helping to improve property standards and promote good practice across the private housing sector in Reading.

We are seeking someone with a strong understanding of housing and environmental health legislation, particularly the Housing Act 2004, and experience of leading projects to ensure that key aims are delivered on time.

You will also have experience of inspecting houses, assessing risks using the HHSRS, and dealing with a broad range of issues such as damp and mould, fire safety and property disrepair.

Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential, as is the ability to manage a diverse caseload and respond flexibly to changing demands.

Key responsibilities

• Lead on a project addressing damp and mould in the private rented sector involving enhanced interventions in selected cases to improve housing conditions and support vulnerable tenants.
• Work closely with landlords, tenants, and partner agencies to deliver the key aims of the project and promote good practice.
• Investigate complaints and carry out inspections of private sector housing in line with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
• Enforce housing legislation, including issuing notices, preparing legal documentation, and attending court or tribunals where necessary.
• Manage cases relating to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), including licensing, inspections, and compliance.

Our offer

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave.
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
• Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey to and from work.

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Anne McMahon – Principal Environmental Health Officer – [e-mail]

Closing Date: Wednesday 26th November 2025

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Interview Setup: In person at the Civic Offices, Reading