At a Glance
- Tasks: Improve housing conditions and enforce standards for private sector accommodation.
- Company: Join Sevenoaks District Council's dedicated Private Sector Housing team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and social activities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong people skills, experience in property inspections, and knowledge of housing legislation.
The predicted salary is between 30269 - 32790 £ per year.
Starting Salary: £30,269 - £32,790
Sevenoaks District Council
Our Private Sector Housing team seeks to bring about improvements in the conditions and standards of management of private sector housing. You’ll assist the team in achieving this through the delivery on housing enforcement standards to ensure private sector residential accommodation throughout the District meets statutory standards and help bring about improvements in conditions and standards of management for residents.
As a Private Sector Housing Officer, you’ll be on the frontline of this vital work working with the Senior Private Sector Housing in the enforcement of housing standards through formal action as necessary in line with Housing legislation.
Everything you need to know:
We’re looking for a committed and customer focused individual to join our Private Sector Housing team. You’ll be based at our Sevenoaks offices, but often out and about across the District – working with residents in their homes, liaising with contractors, and helping to ensure housing standards are upheld. You’ll be appointed at Band C (£30,269 - £32,790), with the opportunity to progress to Band D (£35,162 - £38,009) in your second year of employment, subject to gaining sufficient experience and demonstrating the required level of competence.
What you will be doing:
- Assessing housing conditions, identifying hazards, and specifying works to improve standards.
- Investigating housing complaints and, where necessary, supporting enforcement action to ensure housing is safe and compliant.
- Inspecting and licensing HMOs in connection with mandatory HMO licensing schemes and undertake annual inspections of all licensed HMOs.
- Carry out regular inspections of mobile park homes and park home sites in accordance with the relevant legislation and model standards.
- Carry out the effective day to day management and maintenance of the Council owned Hever Road Gypsy and Traveller site and its facilities.
What you will bring to the role:
- Excellent people skills, especially when working with residents and landlords.
- Flexible approach to adapt to changing and challenging situations.
- Experience and confidence in carrying out resident visits and property inspections.
- A good understanding of building works, property condition surveys and housing legislation.
- Ability to work well under pressure and commitment to achieve deadlines.
- Strong IT skills and the ability to keep accurate case records and process payments.
- A full driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
What’s in it for you?
You’ll join a dynamic and forward thinking team delivering services that really matter. Every day is different, and the impact you’ll have on people’s quality of life is immediate and rewarding. We are one of the few local government authorities to hold Platinum Investors in People accreditation – our commitment to supporting and developing you is genuine and ongoing.
Other benefits include:
- Enhanced annual leave of 25 days (excluding bank holidays)
- Additional leave after 5 years of service
- Extra Christmas closure day
- Hybrid working
- Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
- Opportunities to join in with social activities
- Free parking
- Employee benefits including discounts on shopping, travel, days out and more
- Tusker car salary sacrifice scheme and discounts with your MOT
- Access to BUPA Employee Assistance Programme; a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Liz Crockford, Housing Policy and Enforcement Manager on 01732 227482.
Best chance of being shortlisted: Read the Job Description and Personal Specification attached to the role and ensure that your supporting statement explains how you meet the essential requirements, as your application will be judged against these criteria.
Closing date: Sunday, 14 June 2026
Interview date: Monday, 22 June 2026
Private Sector Housing Officer (Career Grade) in Sevenoaks employer: Sevenoaks District Council
Sevenoaks District Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment where your contributions directly enhance the quality of life for residents. With a commitment to employee development reflected in our Platinum Investors in People accreditation, we provide ample opportunities for career progression, generous benefits including enhanced annual leave and a Local Government Pension Scheme, and a culture that values work-life balance through hybrid working options. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a rewarding career in a vibrant community.
Contact Details:
Sevenoaks District Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Sector Housing Officer (Career Grade) in Sevenoaks
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Private Sector Housing team at Sevenoaks District Council. Understanding their goals and recent projects can help you connect with them during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your people skills! Since this role involves working closely with residents and landlords, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated tricky conversations or resolved conflicts.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for practical questions! Brush up on housing legislation and property inspections, as you might be asked how you'd handle specific scenarios. We want to see that you can think on your feet!
✨Tip Number 4
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 dynamic team at Sevenoaks District Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Private Sector Housing Officer (Career Grade) in Sevenoaks
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. We want to see how your skills and experiences match what they're looking for, so make sure you highlight those in your application.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make it personal and specific to the role of Private Sector Housing Officer. Use examples from your past experiences that show you meet the essential requirements listed in the job description.
Show Off Your People Skills:Since this role involves working closely with residents and landlords, don’t forget to showcase your excellent people skills. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and handle challenging situations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being shortlisted. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sevenoaks District Council
✨Know Your Housing Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the key housing legislation relevant to the role. Understanding the legal framework will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your commitment to upholding housing standards.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Private Sector Housing Officer, you'll be working closely with residents and landlords. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated or resolved conflicts in the past. This will highlight your excellent people skills, which are crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role, such as dealing with difficult landlords or unsafe housing conditions, and how you would handle them.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility
The job requires a flexible approach to adapt to changing situations. Be ready to discuss times when you've successfully adapted to unexpected changes or challenges in your previous roles, showcasing your ability to thrive under pressure.
