At a Glance
- Tasks: Improve housing quality and reduce empty properties in Elmbridge.
- Company: Elmbridge Borough Council, dedicated to enhancing community living standards.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on community improvement and housing standards.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by ensuring safe and quality housing.
- Qualifications: Good education, HND/HNC in Environmental Health, and relevant housing experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
The main purpose of the role is 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. This includes:
- Ensuring best use of the housing stock by minimising the number of empty properties.
- Providing 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 include:
- Carrying out proactive and programmed inspections of residential properties.
- Investigating complaints regarding housing disrepair, in line with council policies and procedures, using the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Where necessary and appropriate, initiating and preparing 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.
- Leading 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.
- Using 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.
- Undertaking general environmental protection complaint work under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 where relating to statutory nuisances.
- Advising residents, owners, and landlords on matters of disrepair, housing standards, and, in general terms, on the procurement and funding of building works.
- Monitoring compliance where statutory notices have been served and taking appropriate action in the event of failure to comply.
- Providing all necessary information and evidence to facilitate legal proceedings and appearing as a witness for the Council in legal proceedings, tribunals, and enquiries, as directed.
- Maintaining records and reports and providing such statistical information as may be required in relation to the duties attached to the post.
- Representing the council at meetings with internal and external partners.
- Keeping 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.
- Having training in the investigatory powers introduced under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, or being 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.
Locations
Property Standards and Empty Homes Officer in Guildford, Surrey employer: JOB SWITCH LTD
Elmbridge Borough Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to enhancing the quality of housing within the community. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative work culture, staff are encouraged to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact on residents' lives. The council offers competitive benefits and a supportive environment, making it an ideal place for those passionate about improving housing standards in Elmbridge.
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We think you need these skills to ace Property Standards and Empty Homes Officer in Guildford, Surrey
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