Housing Standards Surveyor
Do you believe that everyone has the right to live in a safe and good quality accommodation?
Are you someone with a can-do attitude who holds experience of housing legislation and enforcement?
If this sounds like you then we have a fantastic chance to join our experienced Private Sector Housing Team as we respond to the new Renters’ Rights Act.
You will be part of the team shaping Canterbury’s response to the biggest change that we’ve seen to the Private Rented Sector in over 30 years, so this is a truly exciting opportunity for the right candidate.
What’s in it for you?
- A starting salary of £40,537.29
- Cost of living pay award negotiated annually as a salary increase
- Flexible, hybrid working - we understand the importance of a good work-life balance.
- A generous annual leave entitlement: 23 days annual leave which increase with service, plus bank holidays, PLUS 3 given days which are usually used over the Christmas period when our main offices are closed. You’ll also have the option to buy more annual leave.
- We do not work on Bank Holidays.
- A fantastic local government pension scheme.
- Training and development opportunities, plus a Professional Body Membership fee covered where needed for the role.
- Employee perks, including multiple retailer and lifestyle discounts.
- An easier commute: free use of Canterbury’s Park and Ride, flexi bus tickets, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Stay healthy: Access to free counselling, advice and webinars through our employee assistance programme, as well as contributions to the cost of Flu Jabs.
About this Housing Standards Surveyor Job in Canterbury:
The role of a Housing Standards Surveyor is key in supporting the work we do at Canterbury City Council to ensure there is good quality, healthy housing for households in the private rented sector accommodation within the district.
As a Housing Standards Officer you will undertake inspections offering advice where appropriate and taking enforcement action where necessary.
Offering a varied workload you will be dealing with work streams including:
- Disabled Facilities Grants;
- The Licencing of Houses of Multiple Occupation;
- Caravan Licencing;
- The delivery of Canterbury City Council’s Social Letting Agency;
- Responding to reports of disrepair in the private sector;
- Enforcement of legislation.
Working pattern:
- Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays
- Full-time, 37 hours per week
- Flexible, hybrid working arrangements
- A full week off over Christmas in addition to your annual leave allowance
- Contract type: fixed-term contract, 12 months.
Your knowledge:
- Sound understanding of statutory landlord obligations and associated private sector housing legislation, including the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
- Knowledge and understanding of the Housing Act 2004, the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, HMO licensing, civil penalties, banning orders and rent repayment orders.
- Understanding of legal processes covering enforcement work, including PACE, evidence gathering, statement taking, case preparation, prosecutions and tribunal proceedings.
- Awareness of the key changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, including tenancy reform, the Private Rented Sector Database, the Landlord Ombudsman, the Decent Homes Standard and future Awaab’s Law requirements for private rented homes.
- Ability to interpret and apply legislation, statutory guidance and local enforcement policies in a fair, proportionate and evidence-led way.
Your qualifications:
- A recognised HND or equivalent qualification in building / construction / environmental health; or a minimum of 5 years' experience in a similar role
- HHSRS Qualification
Due to the nature of this role, the successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check as part of their pre-employment clearances.
For more information about this role, or to find out what it’s like to work with the Private Sector Housing Team at Canterbury City Council, please contact Daniel Otley, Private Sector Housing Team Leader by email to daniel.otley@canterbury.gov.uk who would very much welcome the opportunity to speak with you as a potential candidate.
Interviews are planned to take place on 4th December 2026.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at Canterbury City Council.
We are committed to promoting equality and diversity in everything we do. We provide a safe and welcoming environment where everyone is valued, included and respected.
Our diversity strengthens our ability to serve the diverse communities we support through our work.
To demonstrate this through our actions, all applications are anonymised for the shortlisting panel, allowing all applicants to be assessed on merit alone.
Salary range
- £40,537.29 per year