Private Sector Housing Officer

Make a Difference in Your Community

This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about improving housing standards, supporting vulnerable residents, and helping create safe, healthy and sustainable homes within the private rented sector.

In this varied and rewarding role, you will work across a wide range of housing functions, supporting tenants, advising landlords, enforcing legislation, managing grants and loans, inspecting properties, and working closely with internal and external partners to drive real community impact.

If you are proactive, resilient, community‑focused and confident working with a wide range of people and situations, we would love to hear from you.

You will be responsible for investigating complaints related to private sector housing conditions, carrying out inspections and surveys, including HHSRS assessments and unlicensed HMO investigations, along with:

Identifying hazards and recommending solutions.
Providing clear, informed advice to landlords, tenants, residents, and stakeholders.
Engaging with residents experiencing complex, vulnerable or sensitive situations, including tenant harassment or illegal eviction.
Liaising with safeguarding partners, health professionals and support services to ensure safe and appropriate outcomes.
Delivering education, training and engagement activities, including through forums and partnership groups.
Administering Grants, Loans & Energy Efficiency Initiatives
Identifying and assessing and helping to facilitate the return of empty properties to use, improving the community and reducing environmental impact.
Preparing statutory notices, PACE interviews, prosecution files and court/tribunal documentation.

To thrive in this role it is essential that you have a Level 5 (or equivalent) in Building Studies, Environmental Health, Housing or related fields and are experienced with working with the public, including challenging or complex situations, along with:

Knowledge of private sector housing enforcement or building surveying.
Confidence in writing reports, analysing data and interpreting legislation.
Skilled in communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement.
IT‑proficient, accurate and well‑organised, with the ability to manage a varied caseload.
Ability to work outside normal office hours when required.
A full driving licence holder with access to a vehicle.

Click to view a Job Description

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Gary Clarke, Team Leader (Private Sector Housing) on 01233 330624

When Applying - Please ensure that you have received confirmation of a submitted application once completed. For any assistance in completing the application form, please email recruitment@ashford.gov.uk

Hybrid Working - We are an organisation that puts people first and understands how important employee wellbeing is. We want to help you to balance your working life and home life and offer flexible ways of working to help structure your life in a positive and productive way; both at home and in the office. This maximises personal development and collaborative working. Competitive remuneration package - We offer an excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package and opportunities for training and development.

With devolution news and talks evolving across the country for local authorities, we understand that there may be some uncertainty for those currently serving within the sector. Although Kent and Medway have not been included in the Devolution Priority Programme, discussions continue in this area. Kent, Medway and all District and Borough Councils in the South East will continue to work closely with each other to deliver vital services to our communities. This is an exciting, but stable time to join our organisation.

Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide

We welcome applications form the Armed Forces Community