Property Standards & Empty Homes Officer – 2 Month Contract

Summary

Responsibilities

• Conduct both proactive and reactive inspections of residential properties.
  
  


• Investigate complaints concerning housing disrepair and substandard conditions.
  
  


• Utilize the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to evaluate housing hazards.
  
  


• Formulate enforcement recommendations and issue statutory notices as needed.
  
  


• Perform inspections, licensing, and enforcement activities for HMOs.
  
  


• Oversee and regulate caravan and mobile home sites.
  
  


• Identify long-term vacant properties and collaborate with owners to restore them.
  
  


• Promote initiatives for empty homes through advice, education, and awareness campaigns.
  
  


• Support the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act and related housing standards duties.
  
  


• Investigate environmental protection complaints related to statutory nuisances.
  
  


• Provide guidance to residents, landlords, agents, and property owners on housing standards and disrepair issues.
  
  


• Monitor compliance with statutory notices and take further action when necessary.
  
  


• Prepare evidence for legal proceedings and serve as a witness in court, tribunals, or hearings as required.
  
  


• Maintain precise records, reports, and performance data.
  
  


• Update housing standards information on the Council's website and communication channels.
  
  


• Conduct Homes for Ukraine property inspections and follow-up visits as needed.
  
  

Essential

• Solid educational background, including English and Mathematics.
  
  


• HND/HNC (or equivalent) in:
  
  
  
  • Environmental Health
    
    
  
  
  • Housing
    
    
  
  
  • Construction-related discipline
    
    
  
  

• Certificate of Competence in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
  
  


• Experience as a:
  
  
  
  • Private Sector Housing Officer
    
    
  
  
  • Housing Standards Officer
    
    
  
  
  • Environmental Health Technical Officer
    
    
  
  
  • Similar Housing Enforcement role
    
    
  
  


• Experience in inspecting residential properties and assessing housing conditions.
  
  


• Experience in surveying dwellings and identifying defects and disrepair.
  
  


• Knowledge of:
  
  
  
  • Housing Act legislation
    
    
  
  
  • HHSRS
    
    
  
  
  • HMO licensing and enforcement
    
    
  
  
  • Private sector housing standards
    
    
  
  


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  
  


• Ability to draft reports, notices, and correspondence.
  
  


• Capability to work independently and manage a diverse caseload.
  
  


• Proficient IT skills, including experience with databases and Microsoft Office.
  
  


• Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle for business use.
  
  

Desirable

• Experience in drafting statutory notices and enforcement documentation.
  
  


• Experience in revitalizing empty homes.
  
  


• Experience with HMO licensing and enforcement.
  
  


• Training related to investigatory powers under the Renters' Rights Act 2025.
  
  


• Experience within a Local Authority Housing Standards Team.
  
  

What's on Offer?

• £24.61 per hour (Umbrella)
  
  


• 2 Month Contract
  
  


• Hybrid Working
  
  


• Minimum 3 Days Office/Site Visits
  
  


• Location: Esher, Surrey
  
  


• Opportunity to assist the Council in addressing increased demand due to legislative changes.
  
  


• Diverse caseload across housing standards, enforcement, HMOs, and empty homes.
  
  


• Supportive team environment within the Housing Standards team.