Renters’ Rights Officer

South Hams District Council; Totnes; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

South Hams District Council is seeking a Renters’ Rights Officer to support the implementation of renters’ rights reforms. Based in Totnes, the role offers hybrid working with four days remote, a 12-month fixed-term contract and a competitive salary in the mid-£30k range.

The post involves investigations, inspections, and guidance for tenants and landlords to ensure safe, compliant housing. You will collaborate with Environmental Health and other teams to prevent homelessness and improve housing

Qualifications

• Has or works towards a relevant qualification in housing, environmental health, public administration, or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage a varied workload and maintain accurate case records.

Responsibilities

• Support investigations into complaints relating to conditions in privately rented accommodation.
• Undertake inspections and gather evidence under the direction of senior officers.
• Assess housing conditions and identify potential hazards and defects.
• Provide advice and guidance to tenants, landlords and managing agents.
• Work with stakeholders to provide a holistic, person-centred service focused on healthy homes and sustainable communities.
• Assist with enforcement activity, case preparation and compliance monitoring.
• Collaborate with Housing, Environmental Health, Community Safety and Legal Services colleagues.
• Help prevent homelessness through early intervention and tenancy sustainment.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to service performance and improvement initiatives.

Skills

Communication

Customer service

Organised

Teamwork

Case management

Education

Housing qualification

Equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Case management systems

Job description

Renters’ Rights Officer

Company: South Hams District Council

Salary: £34,237 to £37,563 a year

Hours: Full-time

Location: Totnes, TQ9 5NE

Working pattern: Hybrid - 4 days remote

Job type: Temporary

Posting date: 16 Oct 2026

Closing date: 8 Nov 2026

Summary

12 month fixed term contract

Help shape the future of renting in South Hams and West Devon

The private rented sector is changing, and we are looking for a motivated and customer-focused individual to join our Housing and Environmental Health teams as a Renters' Rights Officer.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting the implementation of the Government's Renters' Rights reforms while helping to improve housing standards and outcomes for residents across two of the most beautiful areas of the country.

Working alongside experienced Housing and Environmental Health professionals, you will support landlords in navigating new and up to date requirements, helping them to ensure they are compliant and feel confident in their duties, support investigations into housing complaints, assist with property inspections, provide advice to tenants and landlords, and contribute to the Council's work to ensure safe, secure and well-managed homes. Whether helping a vulnerable tenant sustain their tenancy, supporting enforcement activity, or working with partner agencies to resolve housing issues, your work will make a genuine difference to local communities.

This role would suit someone with experience in housing, environmental health, customer services, regulatory services or local government, who is looking to develop their career in housing regulation and enforcement.

About the Role

As a Renters' Rights Officer, you will:

• Support investigations into complaints relating to conditions in privately rented accommodation.
• Undertake inspections and gather evidence under the direction of senior officers.
• Assess housing conditions and identify potential hazards and defects.
• Provide advice and guidance to tenants, landlords and managing agents
• Work effectively in partnership with stakeholders to provide an holistic person centred service, focused on healthy homes and sustainable communities
• Support work relating to housing standards, energy efficiency, electrical safety and other regulatory requirements.
• Assist with enforcement activity, case preparation and compliance monitoring.
• Work closely with Housing, Environmental Health, Community Safety and Legal Services colleagues.
• Help prevent homelessness through early intervention, advice and tenancy sustainment.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to service performance and improvement initiatives.

About You

• Has (or can work towards) a relevant qualification in housing, environmental health, public administration, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Understands the challenges faced by tenants and landlords within the private rented sector.
• Has excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Can manage a varied workload and maintain accurate case records.
• Is organised, professional and able to work sensitively with vulnerable residents.
• Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a supportive team.
• Is comfortable using Microsoft Office and case management systems.
• Experience of housing enforcement, inspections, housing legislation or local government work would be advantageous but is not essential.

If you are passionate about helping people, improving housing standards and supporting the successful implementation of new renters' rights legislation, we would love to hear from you. Join us and help make a real difference for tenants, landlords and communities across South Hams and West Devon.

For an informal discussion please contact Ian Luscombe, Head of Environmental Health and Licensing on [e-mail] or 01822 813713

Interviews are expected to be held: week commencing 16 November 2026

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