Property Standards and Empty Homes Officer in Esher

The main function of this role is to improve the housing quality within Elmbridge Borough Council by working proactively and reactively to improve housing standards across all tenures and reduce the number of empty properties in the borough. You will work under the supervision of the senior property standards and empty homes officer to investigate and resolve complaints of poor housing conditions and undertake inspections of caravan sites, taking appropriate enforcement action to ensure compliance with legislation and regulatory requirements. You will also be responsible for the maintenance of the Private Sector Housing team's computerised records systems.

Main Purpose of the Role:

• To improve the quality, safety, and choice of residential accommodation in Elmbridge and meet the Council's responsibilities under the Housing Acts and other legislation.
• To ensure best use of the housing stock by minimising the number of empty properties.
• To provide an excellent service to owners, occupiers, and tenants in all tenures through a range of intervention strategies, including enforcement, education, and advice.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• To carry out proactive and programmed inspections of residential properties.
• Investigate complaints regarding housing disrepair, in line with council policies and procedures, using the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
• Where necessary and appropriate, to initiate and prepare recommendations for enforcement action in line with council policies and procedures.
• Inspection, licensing, and enforcement of houses of multiple occupation in line with council policies and procedures under supervision by the Senior Housing Standards Officer.
• Inspection, licensing, and enforcement of mobile home/caravan sites in line with council policies and procedures.
• To lead on the promotion, identifying, and monitoring of empty homes and bringing them back into use.
• Organising awareness of the empty property issues and any initiatives through appropriate promotional materials, publicity, and education, and proactively approaching the owners of empty properties and advising them on their options.
• To use the council's powers under the Renters Rights Act, to support the provision of well-managed and maintained rented housing within the borough, working collaboratively with tenants, landlords, managing agents, and colleagues across the council.
• Undertake general environmental protection complaint work under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 where relating to statutory nuisances.
• To advise residents, owners, and landlords on matters of disrepair, housing standards, and, in general terms, on the procurement and funding of building works.
• Where statutory notices have been served, monitor compliance and take appropriate action in the event of failure to comply.
• To provide all necessary information and evidence to facilitate legal proceedings and appear as a witness for the Council in legal proceedings, tribunals, and enquiries, as directed.
• Maintain records and reports and provide such statistical information as may be required in relation to the duties attached to the post.
• Represent the council at meetings with internal and external partners.
• Keep up to date with current legislation, regulations, guidance, and technical developments.

Qualifications and Education:

• Good standard of general education with examinations passed in English Language and Mathematics.
• Educated to at least an HND/HNC level or equivalent in Environmental Health, Housing, or a Construction related subject.
• Hold a certificate of competence in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.
• Have training in the investigatory powers introduced under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, or be willing to undertake this training as part of the role.
• Experience of working as a Private Sector Housing Officer, Technical Officer in an Environmental Health Residential Team, or working within an organisation dealing with Housing Standards and HMO Licensing related matters.
• Experience of surveying dwellings for defects and disrepair.
• Experience of undertaking responsive and programmed inspections of residential premises.
• Experience of drafting statutory notices and enforcement papers in relation to housing conditions and failure to comply with notices or licensing conditions.
• Experience of identifying empty properties and the range of powers and practices aimed at bringing them back into use.