At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness by providing court advocacy and support to tenants facing eviction.
- Company: Join Newham Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation in London.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, professional development, and contribute to meaningful change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while navigating important housing legislation.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of housing laws and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Newham, London (including regular attendance at Court and community locations)
Roles: Two, initially on a 12 month Fixed Term Contract basis. To be reviewed within first 6 months.
Closing Date: 30th March 2026
People at the heart of everything we do
In Newham, we are committed to a collaborative joint enterprise between our residents, the Mayor, and our staff. We are looking for a dedicated professional to join our Homelessness Prevention & Advice Service (HPAS) to deliver a specialist, court-based service that protects households facing eviction or repossession.
The Role
As a Homelessness Prevention Tenancy Relations Officer, you will be at the frontline of preventing homelessness. This is a high-impact, specialist role where you will attend possession hearings to provide on-the-day triage, advice, and advocacy for tenants. You will hold a limited caseload whilst providing wider support to HPAS regarding PRS Tenancy issues.
You will be a technical expert, navigating complex legislation such as the Renters' Rights Act 2025 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 to identify misuse of possession grounds and secure adjournments that allow for vital prevention activity.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Court Advocacy & Representation: Representing the Council and tenants in court and tribunal proceedings, drafting witness statements, and negotiating with lenders and landlords.
- Enforcement & Protection: Investigating breaches of housing legislation to assist with civil penalty notices and pursuing remedies like Rent Repayment Orders.
- Strategic Prevention: Conducting comprehensive housing assessments and facilitating mediation to maintain tenancies or assist in moves to alternative settled accommodation.
- Service Improvement: Using evidence from court proceedings to identify training needs for case officers and help shape the wider service design. You will work with the Senior Manager - Prevention directly. You will develop operational procedures for handoffs with the Private Sector Housing Team.
About You
We are looking for a proactive, "win-win" communicator who thrives under pressure. You should have a deep understanding of the housing issues facing a high-demand London authority and the empathy to treat every resident with respect, even when a preferred outcome isn't possible.
Requirements:
- Expert Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the Housing Act 1996, Renters' Rights Act 2025, and Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
- Experience: Proven track record of investigating legislative breaches, making statutory decisions, and producing legally robust reports.
- Education: Degree-level education or equivalent experience. A CIH qualification, paralegal accreditation (AQS), or mediation training is highly desirable.
- Adaptability: Ability to travel between offices (Stratford) and courts, often at short notice, and a willingness to work outside normal hours for emergencies.
Why Newham?
Professional Development: You will take an active role in service development and will be at the forefront of the new legislation.
Experience: Newham Council has the biggest PRS sector in London accounting for 40% of households. You will be at the forefront of the development of Local Authority response to the Renters Rights Act.
How to Apply
Please submit your application form demonstrating clearly how you meet the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification. Specific examples are highly encouraged. Applications without a personal statement, or statements which do not highlight how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of the Personal Specification will not be shortlisted.
We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that's all that matters to us.
The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.
We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.
The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found by https://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn.
About Us
The London Borough of Newham is located only 5 miles east of London. It is well positioned with access to all major networks in London and the south east. It is well connected by public transport with bus, tube and DLR. When the Crossrail service opens it will call at Custom House close to our council offices and also Stratford station and from there to central London. The London City Airport which serves major European cities is located at Royal Albert Dock. Newham has the youngest overall population in the country. It was one of the six host boroughs for the 2012 Summer Olympics and contains most of the Olympic Park including the London Stadium. It has a thriving arts quarter with the Theatre Royal Stratford East offering excellent entertainment for all the family. There is the University of East London which has two campuses in Newham, one in Stratford and another next to the regenerated Royal Albert Dock. It also has a large Westfield shopping Centre in Stratford which has all the major retailers there.
Join Our Team as a Homelessness Prevention Tenancy Relations Officer (HPTRO) in Stratford-upon-Avon employer: Newham Council
Contact Detail:
Newham Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Join Our Team as a Homelessness Prevention Tenancy Relations Officer (HPTRO) in Stratford-upon-Avon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions related to homelessness prevention and tenancy relations. Practice your responses, focusing on your experience with legislation like the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for helping others during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making a positive impact in Newham.
We think you need these skills to ace Join Our Team as a Homelessness Prevention Tenancy Relations Officer (HPTRO) in Stratford-upon-Avon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see why you’re excited about becoming a Homelessness Prevention Tenancy Relations Officer and how your values align with ours.
Be Specific: Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria. We love seeing real-life situations where you've made a difference, so don’t hold back on the details!
Tailor Your Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to stand out. Make sure it clearly highlights how your skills and experiences match the job description. We’re looking for a perfect fit, so make it personal!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your information correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newham Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Housing Act 1996, Renters' Rights Act 2025, and Protection from Eviction Act 1977. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with them, but that you can apply them in real-world situations.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully navigated complex housing issues or represented tenants in court. This will help demonstrate your expertise and give the interviewers a clear picture of how you can contribute to their team.
✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
As a Tenancy Relations Officer, you'll need to be a 'win-win' communicator. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and empathetically, especially when discussing sensitive topics like eviction. Role-playing with a friend can help you refine this skill.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about potential challenges you might encounter in the role and how you would handle them. This will show that you’re proactive and ready to tackle the complexities of the job.