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- Tasks: Transform empty homes into safe, liveable properties and enforce housing standards.
- Company: Join a dedicated Safety and Wellbeing team in Ashford, Kent.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community by improving housing quality.
- Qualifications: Experience in private sector housing and strong knowledge of housing legislation required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 35310 - 39144 £ per year.
Salary from £35,310 to £39,144 pa, plus lease car subsidy or cash alternative of £2,080 pa.
Permanent – Full time – 37 hour per week.
Location: Ashford, Kent.
We are looking for someone who has experience in the field of private sector housing, in particular experience relating to empty and derelict homes and the Housing Act 2004 to join our dedicated Safety and Wellbeing team to help transform empty homes into safe, liveable properties. In this role, you’ll work with landlords, agents, and homeowners to enforce housing standards, support grant delivery, and reduce the negative impact of derelict or vacant housing.
You will be responsible for leading on bringing empty homes back into use, inspecting properties under housing legislation, and assisting with energy efficiency initiatives, along with:
- Investigating complaints about housing conditions, unlicensed HMOs, and tenant harassment or illegal eviction.
- Carrying out inspections under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and assess eligibility for loans and grants.
- Enforcing housing legislation and preparing statutory notices, prosecution files, and evidence for court or tribunal proceedings.
- Leading on identifying, surveying and assessing long‑term empty homes and developing strategies to bring them back into use.
- Collaborating with property owners, managing agents, developers and partner organisations to secure funding and facilitate reoccupation or redevelopment.
- Overseeing enforcement actions including Empty Dwelling Management Orders, enforced sales, and derelict property remediation.
- Supporting energy efficiency projects and initiatives promoting warm, low‑carbon homes.
This is a dynamic opportunity for someone with strong knowledge of housing law, enforcement experience, and a passion for improving the lives of residents and the quality of housing across the district. It is essential that you have a strong understanding of housing legislation, guidance, and policies, along with:
- Solid IT skills and working knowledge of information and financial systems.
- Ability to obtain and analyse evidence, prepare accurate reports, and make sound decisions.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
There is a requirement of this role for you to work outside normal office hours (including evenings/weekends), have a full driving licence, and be physically able to carry out property inspections, including challenging or older properties and external sites.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Natalie Pearce on 01233 330304.
Hybrid Working – We are an organisation that puts people first and understands how important employee wellbeing is. We want to help you to balance your working life and home life and offer flexible ways of working to help structure your life in a positive and productive way; both at home and in the office. This maximises personal development and collaborative working.
Competitive remuneration package – We offer an excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package and opportunities for training and development.
This is an exciting, but stable time to join our organisation. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community.
Private Sector Housing Officer (Empty Homes) – closing date 14.04.2026 in Ashford employer: Ashford Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Ashford Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Sector Housing Officer (Empty Homes) – closing date 14.04.2026 in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience with empty homes and housing legislation aligns with their mission. Show them you're not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves working with landlords and homeowners, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is key. Consider mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Private Sector Housing Officer (Empty Homes) – closing date 14.04.2026 in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Make sure you understand the ins and outs of private sector housing, especially when it comes to empty homes and the Housing Act 2004. We want to see your knowledge shine through in your application!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. We’re looking for specific examples of your experience with housing legislation and enforcement. Show us how your skills match what we need for this role!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to read and get straight to the heart of your experience and qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashford Borough Council
✨Know Your Housing Legislation
Brush up on the Housing Act 2004 and other relevant housing laws. Being able to discuss specific legislation during your interview will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about enforcing housing standards.
✨Showcase Your Inspection Skills
Prepare examples of past inspections you've conducted, especially regarding empty or derelict homes. Highlight your ability to assess properties under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and how you’ve made sound decisions based on your findings.
✨Demonstrate Communication Prowess
Since this role involves working with landlords, agents, and homeowners, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think of scenarios where you successfully negotiated or resolved conflicts, as strong interpersonal skills are key in this position.
✨Be Ready for Real-World Scenarios
Expect situational questions that test your problem-solving abilities. Prepare to discuss how you would handle complaints about housing conditions or tenant harassment, showcasing your analytical skills and decision-making process.