Tenancy Enforcement Officer

Thanet District Council; Acol; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority is seeking a Tenancy Enforcement Officer to lead in protecting tenant rights within the private sector. The successful candidate will investigate unlawful landlord behaviors, issue civil penalties, and engage in education activities regarding new tenancy rules. This role offers the chance to shape regulatory responsibilities and contributes to a meaningful cause in housing. A Level 4 qualification and relevant experience in private housing are essential.

Qualifications

• Relevant knowledge and experience in private sector housing.
• Ability to meet and interact with diverse groups effectively.
• Full driving licence and own vehicle is required.

Responsibilities

• Take a leading role in protecting tenant rights in the private sector.
• Conduct investigations into unlawful landlord actions.
• Engage in educational activities to promote compliance with tenancy rules.

Skills

Conflict resolution

Complex problem-solving

Effective communication

Education

Level 4 qualification in relevant subject area

Job description

Thanet District Council is looking for a motivated Tenancy Enforcement Officer to join its Private Sector Housing service. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 has been described as a once in a generation change in the private rented sector. On 01 May 2026, a ban on no-fault evictions will come into force and a wide range of new tenancy-related breaches and offences will be introduced to safeguard the rights of private tenants. Furthermore, the provisions relating to unlawful eviction and harassment will be strengthened. The successful candidate will take a leading role in protecting the rights of tenants living in the private sector. You will assist our colleagues in the council's Housing Options service in preventing unlawful tenancy-related landlord behaviours; however, your primary function will be to hold rogue landlords to account by undertaking investigations and - when appropriate - issuing civil penalties of up to £40,000 and initiating criminal prosecutions in the Magistrates' and Crown Courts. You will do this by using the full range of enforcement tools at the council's disposal in a confident and determined manner. This is an entirely new role and you will be able to help shape how we deliver our new regulatory responsibilities in respect of tenancy protection and enforcement. This will include engaging in educational activities to promote compliance with the new tenancy rules. This post will be attractive to anyone seeking to broaden their experience with a challenging and varied role where initiative and robust interventions are encouraged.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Nicholas Bray, Senior Housing Improvement Officer, on or ; or Richard Hopkins, Private Sector Housing Manager, on or .

• Relevant knowledge and experience in private sector housing.
• Ability to communicate objectively and persuasively, resolve conflict and negotiate successful outcomes, and solve complex problems.
• Ability to apply legislation and policy fairly and robustly in a clear and transparent way.
• Hold a Level 4 or above qualification in a relevant subject area.
• Full driving licence and own vehicle, as travelling around the district, sometimes to remote sites, is a requirement of the post.
• Successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check as part of their pre-employment checks.