OR113904 – Property Standards and Empty Homes Officer (SCP 24) – Housing in Esher

Work Pattern: 36 hours a week, (Mon – Fri ) 3 days in the office / undertaking site visits with 2 days remote, as the service requires.

PAYE Pay Rate: £18.90 per hour

Main Purpose

To improve housing standards across the borough by investigating poor housing conditions, enforcing housing legislation and helping bring empty properties back into use.

Typical Day

• Inspect residential properties and HMOs.
• Investigate housing disrepair complaints.
• Apply HHSRS and identify housing hazards.
• Prepare statutory notices and enforcement action.
• Inspect and license HMO and caravan/mobile home sites.
• Work with landlords and tenants to resolve issues.
• Identify empty properties and work with owners to bring them back into use.
• Maintain accurate case records and reports.
• Provide evidence for legal proceedings when required.
• Work with council departments and external partners.

Key Skills / Responsibilities

• Private sector housing enforcement.
• Housing inspections and disrepair.
• HHSRS and Housing Act 2004.
• HMO licensing and enforcement.
• Empty homes management.
• Environmental Health legislation.
• Housing construction and building defects.
• Statutory notices and legal proceedings.
• Strong communication and investigation skills.
• Good IT and record-management skills.

Essential Requirements

• Good standard of education, including English and Maths.
• HND/HNC or equivalent in Environmental Health, Housing or Construction OR HHSRS Certificate of Competence.
• Experience in Private Sector Housing, Environmental Health or Housing Standards.
• Experience inspecting properties for defects and disrepair.
• Experience with housing enforcement and statutory notices.
• Knowledge of HHSRS and HMO licensing.
• Experience dealing with empty homes.
• Access to a vehicle and ability to drive for business purposes.
• Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evenings.
• Basic DBS check required