Private Housing Standards Officer

Location: London
Rate: £30 – £40 per hour (Umbrella), with the £40 per hour at the higher end for strong, experienced candidates
Contract: Full-time, hybrid role
We are working with a London-based local authority seeking an experienced 

Private Housing Standards Officer to join their Private Sector Housing team on a contract basis. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in improving housing standards across the borough and ensuring compliance with private sector housing legislation.

The Role
You will be responsible for investigating housing condition complaints, inspecting HMOs, carrying out HHSRS assessments, and taking appropriate informal and formal enforcement action where required. The role also involves supporting empty homes work, contributing to energy efficiency initiatives, and working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to deliver improved outcomes for residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate complaints relating to poor private sector housing conditions and provide technical advice to help resolve issues.
• Inspect and monitor HMOs to ensure compliance with housing standards, HHSRS, and relevant legislation.
• Carry out property surveys and inspections of complex buildings, including HHSRS assessments and schedules of work.
• Implement the requirements of the Housing Act 2004 and HMO Management Regulations in relation to licensing schemes.
• Take informal and formal enforcement action, including notices, case preparation, statements, and court attendance where required.
• Lead on landlord and tenant events and signpost customers to appropriate internal and external services.
• Maintain accurate case records on Uniform and ensure all actions are documented clearly and promptly.
• Work with colleagues and partner agencies on joint enforcement initiatives, locality work, and wider housing improvement projects.
• Support empty homes investigations and work with owners to help bring properties back into use.
• Contribute to MEES compliance and energy efficiency initiatives across the borough.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in Private Sector Housing, Environmental Health, Building Surveying, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of the Housing Act 2004, HHSRS, and HMO legislation.
• Experience inspecting residential properties, including HMOs and properties in disrepair.
• Ability to assess housing conditions, identify breaches, and recommend appropriate enforcement action.
• Good understanding of building construction, maintenance, and property defects.
• Strong communication and case management skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Experience using case management systems such as Uniform is desirable.

Qualifications

• Qualification in Environmental Health, Building Surveying, Construction, or a similar discipline, or substantial relevant experience.
• CPD activity and ongoing professional development are essential.
• Membership of CIEH, RICS, CIOB, or CIH is desirable, as is HHSRS enforcement training.

Additional Information This role requires a flexible, customer-focused approach and the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external stakeholders. The successful candidate will be confident managing a varied caseload and committed to delivering high-quality housing standards for residents.

Keywords: Private Housing Standards Officer, Private Sector Housing, Housing Standards, Environmental Health, HHSRS, HMO, Housing Act 2004, Housing Enforcement, Property Inspection, Disrepair, Empty Homes, MEES, Energy Efficiency, Licensing, Uniform, Local Authority, Council, London, Enforcement Officer, Building Surveying, Construction, Regulatory Services