Housing Enforcement Officer

Job Description

Do you have the following skills, experience and drive to succeed in this role Find out below.

Job Title: Housing Enforcement Officer

Purpose and Impact

• Improve housing conditions in West Northamptonshire’s private sector and effect a positive and sustained step change in the behaviour of landlords and letting agents through advice, licensing, risk-based interventions and intelligence-led enforcement action.
• Ensure optimum use of civil penalties, rent repayment orders and licensing fees to support the council’s intelligence-led approach to housing enforcement and tackle criminal, rogue and irresponsible landlords.
• Provide an efficient, high-quality advice, information and enforcement service for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) to ensure they are well managed, safe, habitable and licensed where required.
• Work within Housing Enforcement or Housing Regulation, undertaking reactive and intelligence-led enforcement activities or proactive licensing, inspections and compliance actions.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake property inspections, HHSRS assessments, draft schedules of work and prepare and serve notices.
• Conduct interviews under caution, execute warrants of entry, carry out works in default and prepare cases for prosecution or civil penalties.
• Provide evidence in Tribunal and Courts Service when required.
• Investigate harassment and unlawful eviction cases, advise tenants, resolve disputes and take enforcement action where necessary.
• Work with owners and managers of licensable HMOs to ensure properties are licensed, well managed and comply with HMO Management Regulations.
• Respond to complaints regarding serious disrepair and housing-related nuisance in the private sector and assess risks and hazards.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external organisations including Planning, Revenues & Benefits, Housing Options & Advice, Anti-Social Behaviour Team, Trading Standards, Police, Immigration and Fire & Rescue Service.
• Maintain professional competence and stay updated with developments in private sector housing enforcement and legislation.
• Contribute to new initiatives that tackle overcrowding, improve housing standards and reduce unlicensed HMOs.
• Use Office 365 and internal IT systems to manage information effectively and securely.
• Promote equality, eliminate discriminatory practices and ensure health, safety and welfare at all times.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiating and advocacy skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to analyse, manage and interpret information and data to support decision making.
• Strategic thinking and ability to suggest improvements to service delivery.
• Effective use of Office 365 and Housing/Regulatory Services IT systems.

Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of Housing Acts, Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and regulatory enforcement powers relating to HMOs and private sector housing.
• Knowledge of wider enforcement options to improve accommodation standards.
• Knowledge of the Protection of Eviction Act 1977 and legislation related to illegal or retaliatory eviction.

Experience

• Experience in private sector housing regulation and enforcement using risk-based inspection programmes.
• Experience preparing enforcement cases and giving evidence in the First Tier Tribunal or Magistrates Court.
• Experience operating an HMO Licensing Scheme, including property inspections and compliance with licence conditions.
• Understanding of equality and diversity.

Education and Qualifications

• Qualified Housing Enforcement Officer with a relevant degree or proven relevant private sector housing enforcement experience.
• Housing Health and Safety Rating Scheme certified competency (desirable).
• Full driving licence and access to own transport for work purposes.

Additional Information

• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Location: Northampton (part-flexible working, including remote working up to 3 days per week)
• Salary Range: £40,316 – £43,675 (Pay Band 8)
• Enhanced DBS check required
• Role involves visiting residential properties, carrying equipment and exposure to housing-related hazards.

Organisational Values – THRIVE

• Trust: Honest, fair, transparent and accountable.
• High Performing: Deliver work efficiently and effectively.
• Respect: Supportive and professional environment.
• Innovate: Encourage creativity and growth.
• Value: Promote best practice and continuous improvement. xwzovoh
• Empower: Listen, learn and support people to realise their ambitions.

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