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Property Standards & Empty Homes Officer – 2 Month Contract
Location: Civic Centre, High Street, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9SD
Rate: £24.61 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: 2 Month Contract
Hours: 36 Hours Per Week
Working Pattern: Hybrid – Minimum 3 Days Office/Site Visits and 2 Days Remote (subject to service requirements)
Training: Full-time office attendance required during the first week
Pay: Bi-weekly
Summary
Elmbridge Borough Council is looking for a seasoned Property Standards & Empty Homes Officer to enhance its Housing Standards Team. This position is crucial due to an expected rise in caseloads following the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act. The role involves elevating housing conditions in private rentals, owner-occupied homes, HMOs, and mobile home sites, as well as revitalizing vacant properties throughout the borough. Responsibilities include conducting inspections, addressing housing complaints, enforcing relevant legislation, and collaborating with landlords, tenants, property owners, and partner agencies to uphold housing standards.
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
Requirements
Requirements:
- Solid educational background, including English and Mathematics.
- HND/HNC (or equivalent) in:
- Environmental Health
- Housing
- Construction-related discipline
- Environmental Health
OR
- 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
- Private Sector Housing Officer
- 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
- Housing Act legislation
- 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.
Ideal for candidates with experience as a Property Standards Officer, Housing Standards Officer, Private Sector Housing Officer, Environmental Health Officer, HMO Officer, Housing Enforcement Officer, Empty Homes Officer, or Technical Housing Officer.
Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site
