At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspect properties, address housing complaints, and enforce housing standards.
- Company: Elmbridge Borough Council, dedicated to improving housing conditions.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team tackling increased demand from new legislation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in housing standards and help revitalise empty homes.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing enforcement and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 24.61 - 24.61 £ per hour.
Elmbridge Borough Council is looking for a seasoned Property Standards & Empty Homes Officer to enhance its Housing Standards Team. This position is crucial due to an expected rise in caseloads following the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act. The role involves elevating housing conditions in private rentals, owner-occupied homes, HMOs, and mobile home sites, as well as revitalizing vacant properties throughout the borough.
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting both proactive and reactive inspections of residential properties.
- Investigating complaints concerning housing disrepair and substandard conditions.
- Utilizing the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to evaluate housing hazards.
- Formulating enforcement recommendations and issuing statutory notices as needed.
- Performing inspections, licensing, and enforcement activities for HMOs.
- Overseeing and regulating caravan and mobile home sites.
- Identifying long-term vacant properties and collaborating with owners to restore them.
- Promoting initiatives for empty homes through advice, education, and awareness campaigns.
- Supporting the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act and related housing standards duties.
- Investigating environmental protection complaints related to statutory nuisances.
- Providing guidance to residents, landlords, agents, and property owners on housing standards and disrepair issues.
- Monitoring compliance with statutory notices and taking further action when necessary.
- Preparing evidence for legal proceedings and serving as a witness in court, tribunals, or hearings as required.
- Maintaining precise records, reports, and performance data.
- Updating housing standards information on the Council's website and communication channels.
- Conducting Homes for Ukraine property inspections and follow-up visits as needed.
Essential Requirements:
- Solid educational background, including English and Mathematics.
- HND/HNC (or equivalent) in Environmental Health, Housing, or a Construction-related discipline OR Certificate of Competence in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
- Experience as a Private Sector Housing Officer, Housing Standards Officer, Environmental Health Technical Officer, or similar Housing Enforcement role.
- Experience in inspecting residential properties and assessing housing conditions.
- Knowledge of Housing Act legislation, HHSRS, HMO licensing and enforcement, and private sector housing standards.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to draft reports, notices, and correspondence.
- Capability to work independently and manage a diverse caseload.
- Proficient IT skills, including experience with databases and Microsoft Office.
- Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle for business use.
Desirable:
- Experience in drafting statutory notices and enforcement documentation.
- Experience in revitalizing empty homes.
- Experience with HMO licensing and enforcement.
- Training related to investigatory powers under the Renters' Rights Act 2025.
- Experience within a Local Authority Housing Standards Team.
What's on Offer?
- £24.61 per hour (Umbrella)
- 2 Month Contract
- Hybrid Working - Minimum 3 Days Office/Site Visits
- Location: Esher, Surrey
- Opportunity to assist the Council in addressing increased demand due to legislative changes.
- Diverse caseload across housing standards, enforcement, HMOs, and empty homes.
- Supportive team environment within the Housing Standards team.
Ideal for candidates with experience as a Property Standards Officer, Housing Standards Officer, Private Sector Housing Officer, Environmental Health Officer, HMO Officer, Housing Enforcement Officer, Empty Homes Officer, or Technical Housing Officer.
Property Standards & Empty Homes Officer in Esher employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an exceptional employer that prioritises meaningful impact in the community, particularly for children and families. With a strong commitment to professional development and a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to drive positive change while enjoying the benefits of flexible working arrangements and a supportive team environment in Ipswich. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead significant projects that align with national reforms, making a real difference in the lives of those served.
