Renters' Rights Officer

West Devon Borough Council; United States; Remote; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

West Devon Borough Council is seeking a motivated Renters' Rights Officer to support the implementation of renters’ rights reforms and improve housing standards for residents across South Hams and West Devon. You will work with Housing and Environmental Health teams, landlords and tenants to ensure safe, compliant homes and timely interventions.

The role focuses on investigations, inspections and advice to tenants, landlords and agents, with a commitment to vulnerable residents and

Qualifications

• Experience in housing, environmental health, customer services, regulatory services or local government.
• Understands challenges faced by tenants and landlords in private rented sector.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Can manage a varied workload and maintain accurate case records.
• Organised, professional and able to work sensitively with vulnerable residents.
• Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a team.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and case management systems.
• Experience in housing enforcement, inspections or housing legislation would be advantageous.

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 deliver a holistic, person-centred service.
• Support work related to housing standards, energy efficiency and other regulatory requirements.
• Assist with enforcement activity, case preparation and compliance monitoring.
• Collaborate with Housing, Environmental Health, Community Safety and Legal Services.
• Help prevent homelessness through early intervention and tenancy sustainment.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to service performance.

Job description

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.

We are looking for someone who:

• 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.