At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead enforcement against rogue landlords and protect vulnerable tenants from homelessness.
- Company: Join Sutton Council, a forward-thinking local authority committed to community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while tackling housing injustice.
- Qualifications: Passion for housing justice and strong investigative skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38256 - 44685 £ per year.
The London Borough of Sutton is situated less than 30 minutes by train from Central London, with direct connections to London Victoria and London Bridge. Found in zone 5 with good transport links in and out of London, Sutton boasts award-winning parks and open spaces, low crime rates, affordable housing and great schools. As well as high levels of resident engagement and satisfaction, providing quality services and success in addressing our financial challenges, whilst involving residents in key issues and high street changes.
Sutton is continuously investing in the health, wellbeing and education of our residents and the future generation, as set out in the “Ambitious for Sutton” corporate plan. We are home to the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research. Together with the development of the London Cancer Hub, Sutton will be the world’s leading life-science district, specialising in cancer research and treatment. Our vision will create around 13,000 jobs while contributing £1.2bn to the UK economy each year, a vibrant community of scientists, doctors and innovative companies intended to deliver real benefits for cancer patients and drive economic growth. With the regeneration of the local areas with new homes and schools, Sutton is passionate about working closely with our residents and vulnerable groups to help them maintain their independence and create a balance between support and independent living.
The Council is seen as a driving force within the South London Partnership of five outer south west London boroughs focused on strategic growth, regeneration and investment. As we strive to improve our services and spaces for our residents as set out in the ‘Ambitious for Sutton’ corporate plan, Sutton aims to shape the future of the borough and adapt to the needs of its residents to make our Borough a great place to live, work and raise a family.
About the Role and our Ideal Candidate
Purpose of the job: Lead high-stakes enforcement and litigation against illegal landlord practices to protect vulnerable tenants and prevent homelessness in Sutton. The Tenancy Enforcement and Litigation Officer (Grade 7) is a frontline role within the EHN Directorate, responsible for leading the Council’s response to serious breaches of private sector housing law.
Role Purpose: The position acts as the Council’s expert on the Renters Rights Act 2025 and the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. The primary goal is to protect vulnerable tenants, enforce compliance against rogue landlord practices, and utilise legal intervention to prevent homelessness. We are looking for a tenacious investigator with a sharp legal mind who is passionate about housing justice. You should be someone who thrives in high-pressure environments where detail and accuracy are non-negotiable.
About Us
The Housing Advice Service (HAS): At the London Borough of Sutton, we are “Ambitious for Sutton.” We don’t just manage services; we work to transform lives. The Housing Advice Service is currently undergoing an exciting period of evolution. We are shifting our operational model from traditional crisis resolution to a proactive, early-intervention service designed to keep people in their homes and prevent homelessness before it begins.
The Purpose of the Team
You will be joining a team that sits at the intersection of advice, support, and rigorous enforcement. As the council takes on new responsibilities under the Renters Rights Act 2025, our mission is clear: to be the council’s frontline experts in tenancy law. We protect our residents from rogue landlord practices, intervene in illegal evictions, and work across boundaries—partnering with Legal Services, the Police, and Social Care—to deliver fair, legal, and life-changing outcomes for our residents.
Our Culture and Direction
We operate under the "Pride" values— People Focused, Responsible, Inclusive, Delivering, and Empowering. Our culture is one of collaboration, not silos. We are a service that:
- Innovates: We embrace technology to work smarter. From AI-driven systems to digital portals, we are constantly looking for ways to reduce administrative burdens so our officers can focus on what matters: the person in front of them.
- Collaborates: Whether it’s working with the Police, Children’s Services, or local community groups, we understand that housing issues are rarely isolated. We take a holistic approach, ensuring the wider needs of our residents are met.
- Supports: We are a team that champions talent. We offer a friendly, collaborative environment where knowledge is shared, and professional development is a priority. We actively celebrate success and use our "Team Charters" to ensure every voice is heard and every staff member feels empowered.
Why Join Us Now?
It is a challenging and rewarding time to join the Housing Advice Service. We have maintained a high performance level—resolving approximately 95% of complaints on time—even as demand for our services has increased. We are transparent about where we need to improve and have clear, active service improvement plans in place to address communication and procedural gaps. By joining us, you aren't just filling a vacancy; you are joining a team that is actively rebuilding its customer journey, utilising new legislative powers to protect the vulnerable, and setting the standard for how a modern, efficient council service should operate.
Our Offer To You
As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we’re committed to helping you fulfil your potential and will offer you a supportive, friendly and collaborative environment to grow and develop your career and skills. We’re constantly striving to improve our ways of working so putting your ideas across however big or small; will be fully encouraged and supported by your colleagues and our dynamic and experienced management team.
Employees have access to a wide range of benefits to enable staff to achieve a work-life balance, some of which include:
- A generous annual leave entitlement of 26-32 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time working hours apply) depending on service and grade.
- Enhanced Maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and dependents leave.
- Two volunteering days per year.
- Flexible Working - Smarter Working Scheme (dependent on the role).
- Adjustable and agile working arrangements using Google Chromebooks.
- Learning and development portal offering a range of courses.
- Discounts on a range of local shops, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres.
- Interest-free season ticket loans.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme.
- Electric vehicle leasing scheme.
- Confidential health & wellbeing and counselling support.
Additional Information
We are proud to be a diverse and welcoming Borough and we strive to create a workforce which reflects the community we serve, and instil a sense of belonging in our staff. We celebrate and respect differences and appreciate the value of having a diverse workforce, therefore we welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
To support our workers and their families we offer a range of family-friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums and inclusive staff networks who help drive our diversity agenda. We are also proud to be a disability confident employer and guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria for a role. As an accredited London Living Wage Employer all our employees are guaranteed the London Living Wage regardless of their length or type of contract.
The UK has a points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the GOV.UK website for right to work guidance. Sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis.
Important Information - Criminal Records
This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory result to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children.
Tenancy Enforcement and Litigation Officer in London employer: LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON
The London Borough of Sutton is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and community engagement. As a Dance Enrichment Tutor, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of learners with special educational needs, while enjoying a collaborative environment that fosters growth and innovation. With a commitment to quality assurance and a vibrant curriculum, you will be part of a team dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes in a diverse and inclusive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Tenancy Enforcement and Litigation Officer in London
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Tenancy Enforcement and Litigation Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON.
