Disrepair Surveyor – Expert Witness in London

We are seeking four experienced Disrepair Surveyors to join a busy Housing Disrepair Team on a temporary basis, supporting the delivery of high-quality housing standards across a large social housing portfolio.

This is a specialist role requiring strong technical surveying expertise, particularly in housing disrepair, damp and mould, HHSRS and expert witness reporting.

You will undertake detailed technical investigations, coordinate specialist surveys, oversee complex repair cases and produce robust evidence and reports suitable for legal proceedings. You will also work closely with residents, contractors, insurers and internal stakeholders to ensure appropriate remedial action is identified and delivered.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough CPR 35 inspections and prepare compliant expert witness reports, managing a minimum caseload of approximately three surveys/reports per week.
• Investigate complex building defects, including damp, mould, mechanical ventilation and psychrometric conditions, using appropriate specialist equipment.
• Identify appropriate remedial solutions and prepare specifications, Bills of Quantities and contract documentation.
• Manage complex reactive repairs and capital works from initial investigation through to completion and sign-off.
• Assess repair requirements, monitor works, manage variations and undertake post-inspection sign-offs.
• Work collaboratively with residents, contractors, legal representatives, insurers and internal teams.
• Communicate technical findings clearly and sensitively, particularly when dealing with vulnerable residents and complex housing conditions.
• Apply a resident-focused and trauma-informed approach throughout the inspection and case management process.
• Ensure compliance with relevant health and safety requirements, including HHSRS, CDM, COSHH, Health & Safety at Work legislation and DDA requirements.
• Support insurers and assessors in determining appropriate settlement figures and resolving claims.
• Manage repair budgets and cost assessments using Schedule of Rates (SOR).
• Maintain accurate case records and inspection information using relevant mobile, surveying and property management systems.

Essential RequirementsQualifications & Professional Membership

• HNC in Building Studies, Construction or an equivalent qualification.
• Membership of a relevant professional body such as RICS, CIOB, CIEH, CABE or IOSH.

Experience & Technical Knowledge

• Minimum 2 years' professional experience in housing disrepair surveying, ideally involving Expert Witness responsibilities.
• Experience within the public or private housing sector.
• Strong practical knowledge of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
• Detailed understanding of housing disrepair legislation, legal protocols and CPR 35 Practice Direction.
• Demonstrable experience investigating damp, mould, ventilation and other complex building defects.
• Experience preparing technically robust reports and evidence for legal or claims-related purposes.
• Experience developing specifications, Bills of Quantities and remedial works proposals.
• Ability to manage complex repair cases from initial inspection through to completion.
• Proficiency with handheld technology, mobile surveying applications and PC-based property/repair management systems.

Key Competencies

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• Strong technical and analytical surveying capability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence presenting technical evidence and explaining findings clearly.
• Ability to manage difficult and sensitive conversations.
• Strong attention to detail and evidence-based decision-making.
• Effective case and workload management.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of repair costs.
• A professional, resident-focused approach.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with wider teams.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Disrepair Surveyor / Expert Witness to work on a significant social housing portfolio and contribute directly to improving housing conditions, protecting resident safety and reducing legal and financial exposure associated with housing disrepair.

If you have strong experience in housing disrepair, HHSRS, CPR 35 reporting and technical defect investigation, we would be keen to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV and relevant experience.