4 Month Contract With A local Authority
Job Purpose
To secure and increase the supply of affordable private rented accommodation to help prevent and relieve homelessness and meet housing needs across the borough. The role is responsible for sourcing suitable properties, negotiating with landlords and letting agents, supporting prospective tenants into sustainable tenancies, and promoting the Councilâ s Private Rented Sector (PRS) schemes to maximise housing opportunities for residents.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify and secure private rented accommodation through proactive engagement with landlords, letting agents, developers, and other property providers.
- Negotiate rental terms, incentives, and financial assistance packages to secure affordable accommodation for households in housing need.
- Operate a property sourcing and matching service, generating leads through landlord networks, websites, advertising platforms, referrals, and direct outreach.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with landlords and letting professionals, providing information and support on available Council services and schemes.
- Conduct property inspections and prepare reports to assess suitability, condition, health and safety compliance, and housing standards.
- Match suitable applicants to available properties, taking account of housing needs, affordability, support requirements, and tenancy sustainability.
- Arrange and undertake accompanied viewings, providing advice and guidance to both landlords and prospective tenants throughout the letting process.
- Support tenants with tenancy setup, including advice on Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, direct rent payments, and tenancy obligations.
- Work closely with Housing Advisors and Housing Needs colleagues to assess applicantsâ suitability for private rented accommodation.
- Liaise with internal services and external partners to maximise property supply, grant opportunities, and landlord engagement initiatives.
- Promote the Councilâ s Private Renting Scheme through events, landlord forums, networking opportunities, and marketing activities.
- Maintain accurate records, case notes, property information, and management data using relevant IT systems.
- Respond to enquiries, complaints, elected member correspondence, and casework in accordance with Council procedures and service standards.
- Contribute to service development, continuous improvement initiatives, and the delivery of a cost-effective and customer-focused housing service.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, Council policies, financial regulations, safeguarding responsibilities, and data protection requirements.
Requirements
Essential
- Experience working in housing, lettings, homelessness prevention, private sector housing, property management, or a related environment.
- Experience negotiating with landlords, agents, customers, or other stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.
- Knowledge of the private rented sector, housing legislation, tenancy processes, and homelessness prevention practices.
- Ability to assess property suitability and identify housing standards, repair issues, and potential health and safety concerns.
- Strong customer service and communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Experience managing a varied workload and maintaining accurate records and case management information.
- Ability to provide advice and guidance to customers on housing options, benefits, and tenancy-related matters.
- Strong organisational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Good IT skills and experience using case management or housing management systems.
- Understanding of safeguarding, equality, diversity, confidentiality, and data protection requirements.
Desirable
- Experience working within a local authority housing service or homelessness prevention team.
- Knowledge of Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, and welfare support systems.
- Experience conducting property inspections and preparing property assessment reports.
- Knowledge of landlord incentive schemes, tenancy sustainment, and housing procurement initiatives.
- Membership of, or qualification in, a housing-related professional body or discipline.
Additional Information
Location: Housing Service / Community-Based Working
Hours per Week: 35 Hours
Payment Frequency: Bi-weekly
