Career guides / Careers in housing
Careers in housing
Housing professionals help people find and maintain safe and affordable homes.
Responsibilities in housing include: assessing homelessness applications, managing tenancies, arranging repairs, supporting residents with complex needs, ensuring properties meet safety standards, and working with landlords and partner agencies.
Discover current vacancies, an overview of key roles, salary expectations, and answers to common questions about starting a career in housing.
Explore the latest opportunities below and find a role that fits your skills and career needs.
47 employers, including councils and housing associations, are hiring housing professionals in the UK.
Types of housing roles in the UK
Roles in housing range from housing assistants and support workers through to specialist officers in homelessness prevention, building compliance, and private sector enforcement. The most common job titles advertised on Jobs Go Public for housing professionals include:
- Housing Options/Homelessness Officer
- Housing Support Worker
- Housing Officer
- Private Sector Enforcement
- Building Safety Officer
- Lettings Officer
- Head of Housing
- Repairs Officer
- Home Ownership Officer
- Housing Team Leader
- Housing Apprentice
- Surveyor
- Programme Officer
- Tenancy Officer
- Income/Rent Recovery Officer
Salary overview for housing jobs in the UK
Salaries vary depending on the role, experience level, employer, and location. Roles are frequently full-time due to the nature of case work, although part-time and flexible working options are also available.
Typical average salary ranges in 2026:
- Entry level: £28,886 - £40,997 per year
- Mid-level: £39,794 - £56,166 per year
- Senior level: £69,836 - £106,802 per year
FAQs about jobs in housing
What is a housing officer?
A housing officer is a professional who manages social housing tenancies on behalf of councils or housing associations. They act as the main point of contact for tenants, handling everything from allocations and rent collection to tenancy enforcement and welfare support.
Housing officers work across office and community settings, regularly visiting tenants in their homes. It's a people-focused role suited to those who want to make a difference in their local community.
What does a housing officer do?
Housing officers manage tenancies for councils or housing associations. Daily tasks include allocating properties, conducting inspections, handling rent arrears, and resolving tenancy issues such as antisocial behaviour.
A key part of the role involves supporting vulnerable tenants and signposting them to relevant services. Housing officers also liaise with repairs teams, attend court for possession cases, and work to prevent homelessness.
The role requires strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to handle difficult conversations.
What are housing associations?
Housing associations are independent, not-for-profit organisations that provide affordable housing. They build, manage, and maintain homes for people who can't afford market rents or home ownership.
Unlike councils, housing associations are private organisations, though they work closely with local authorities and are regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing. Many were established through council housing stock transfers.
Housing associations range from small local providers to large national organisations managing tens of thousands of homes.
How do I become a housing officer?
There's no single route into housing officer roles. Many employers welcome candidates with GCSEs and relevant experience in customer service, advice work, or support roles.
A degree isn't essential, though housing studies or social policy can help. Entry-level positions like housing assistant or housing support worker provide good stepping stones.
Gaining a Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) qualification strengthens your prospects, though many employers support you to study once in post.
What qualifications do I need to work in housing?
Most housing officer roles require GCSEs in English and maths, though relevant experience often carries equal weight. A degree isn't essential.
Qualifications that strengthen applications include CIH certificates or diplomas, housing NVQs, or degrees in housing studies or social policy. Many employers provide training and support CIH study once you're in post.
A driving licence is often required, and you'll need to pass a DBS check.
Are housing associations public sector?
No, housing associations are technically private, not-for-profit organisations rather than public sector bodies. However, they work closely with councils, receive government funding, and are regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing.
For job seekers, the distinction matters less than you might think. Housing association roles offer similar work to council positions, and many also provide access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Both offer careers focused on social housing and community support.
