Housing Officer in Lancaster

The Housing Officer will provide a comprehensive, professional and resident-focused housing management service to tenants and leaseholders across a designated patch. The role covers the full tenancy lifecycle, including tenancy sustainment, rent collection, estate management, anti-social behaviour casework, safeguarding and compliance with housing and regulatory legislation. There is a strong emphasis on void management and effective rent arrears control to ensure professional business continuity. The Housing Officer will act as the key point of contact for tenants, ensuring homes are safe, well-managed and that residents are supported to live independently and sustain their tenancies.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of tenancy and estate management, including tenancy sign-ups, new tenant visits, regular tenancy reviews and the fair enforcement of tenancy conditions.
• Carry out estate inspections, ensuring communal areas are safe and well-maintained, reporting maintenance and compliance issues promptly, escalating environmental or safety concerns such as fire risks or hazards.
• Work closely with repairs, maintenance and compliance teams to coordinate access and resident engagement.
• Monitor rent accounts through the housing management system, supporting tenants to maintain rent payments, negotiating and monitoring repayment arrangements.
• Liaise with Housing Benefit teams, the DWP and Universal Credit, serving legal notices such as warning letters and Notices of Seeking Possession.
• Support the preparation of court action where required, with early intervention and tenancy sustainment being central to the role.
• Investigate and manage low- to medium-level anti-social behaviour cases and neighbourhood disputes, gathering evidence and maintaining accurate case records.
• Work with mediation services, police, local authorities and legal advisors, keeping complainants and respondents informed throughout the process.
• Identify and report safeguarding concerns in line with organisational policy, liaising with social workers, support providers and health professionals.
• Refer vulnerable tenants to appropriate services and participate in multi-agency meetings and risk management plans where required.
• Act as the first point of contact for tenant enquiries, complaints and housing-related issues, maintaining a visible presence across their patch.
• Carry out home visits, encourage resident engagement and participation, ensuring all actions and communications are accurately recorded on the housing management system.

General Duties

• Maintain accurate, timely and GDPR-compliant records, manage caseloads and KPIs using housing systems.
• Prepare case files and documentation for internal hearings or legal proceedings.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams including income, maintenance, compliance and support services.
• Attend team meetings, training and supervision, contributing to service improvements, audits and policy reviews.
• Follow all organisational policies, including safeguarding, equality and diversity, health and safety and lone working at all times.

Working Conditions

This is a patch-based hybrid role involving regular site visits and some homeworking. Lone working protocols apply. Flexibility is required for occasional evening meetings or urgent visits. Equipment, training and ongoing CPD will be provided.

Essential Experience and Requirements

The ideal applicant will have a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a housing management or Housing Officer-level role, with proven experience of tenancy management, rent arrears, estate management and resident engagement. Applicants must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle, as the role requires regular travel across a designated housing patch.