Position: PRS Lettings Negotiator (SO2)
Location: 6 Brixton Hill, London, SW2 1RW
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Duration: 5+ Months (Temporary contract) - 1/2 days office based
Working Hours: 7 hours per day
Pay Rate: PAYE: £23.51 per hour
What We're Looking For
We are looking for an experienced PRS Lettings Negotiator to help secure suitable and affordable private rented accommodation for residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The successful candidate will work closely with landlords, letting agents, tenants and Housing Needs colleagues to identify properties, negotiate rents, arrange viewings and support customers into sustainable private rented tenancies.
The successful candidate must have:
- Experience working in private sector housing, lettings, homelessness prevention or a related housing service
- Experience of negotiating rents and securing private rented accommodation
- Good knowledge of the private rented sector and tenancy processes
- Experience dealing with landlords, letting agents and prospective tenants
- Ability to assess whether properties are suitable, safe and affordable
- Good understanding of housing benefit and Universal Credit in relation to private renting
- Strong communication, negotiation and customer service skills
- Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
- Good attention to detail and accurate record keeping
- Ability to work independently and as part of a wider Housing Needs team
- Good IT skills and confidence using databases and Microsoft Office
- Ability to provide clear advice and guidance to vulnerable customers and landlords
- Commitment to equality, diversity and safeguarding
- Understanding of homelessness prevention and relevant housing legislation
- Eligibility to work in the UK
Job Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Identify and secure suitable private rented properties through landlords, letting agents, websites, publications, networking and cold calling
- Build and maintain effective relationships with private landlords and letting professionals
- Negotiate rents and financial incentives to secure affordable accommodation
- Provide landlords with information about available Council services and support
- Assist landlords with property-related administration and maintain accurate landlord records
- Advise landlords on their legal responsibilities and property requirements
- Inspect properties to assess their suitability for households in housing need
- Identify disrepair, health and safety hazards and make recommendations where required
- Prepare accurate property inspection reports
- Work with Housing Advisors and Housing Needs colleagues to assess prospective tenants' suitability for private rented accommodation
- Review customers' housing history, housing needs and financial circumstances
- Match prospective tenants with suitable available properties
- Arrange and conduct accompanied property viewings
- Provide tenants and landlords with advice and guidance throughout the letting process
- Ensure suitable properties are advertised and let as quickly as possible
- Support customers with Universal Credit and Housing Benefit applications
- Advise tenants about setting up and maintaining direct rent payments
- Work with Council services and partner organisations to maximise available grants and opportunities for landlords
- Promote the Council's Private Renting Scheme at landlord forums, tenant forums, trade events and meetings with letting professionals
- Assist with the preparation of promotional and information materials
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date customer, landlord and management information on relevant IT systems
- Respond to enquiries from customers, landlords, Councillors and other stakeholders
- Draft responses to complaints and Members' enquiries in accordance with Council procedures
- Follow Council financial regulations, including requirements relating to homelessness and fraud prevention
- Maintain accurate records and provide appropriate handover information when required
- Participate in appraisals, one-to-ones, objective setting, training and service development activities
- Keep up to date with housing legislation, case law, best practice and Council policies
- Comply with requirements relating to data protection, health and safety, equality and diversity
- Follow safeguarding policies and procedures relating to vulnerable adults and children
- Contribute to tackling racism and promoting positive community relations
- Work flexibly and participate in cross-departmental and multi-disciplinary projects
- Undertake other duties appropriate to the role as required
Person Specification
Essential Experience
- Experience working within private rented sector housing, lettings, homelessness prevention or a similar environment
- Experience of property sourcing and landlord engagement
- Experience negotiating with landlords or letting agents
- Experience assessing properties for suitability and identifying potential hazards or disrepair
- Experience working with customers who may have complex housing needs
- Experience supporting customers into private rented accommodation
- Experience handling sensitive customer information and maintaining accurate records
- Experience working to procedures, financial regulations and relevant legislation
Essential Knowledge & Skills
- Good knowledge of the private rented sector
- Understanding of homelessness prevention and housing needs
- Knowledge of tenancy processes and landlord responsibilities
- Understanding of Universal Credit and Housing Benefit and their impact on private renting
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong customer service skills
- Good organisational and time-management skills
- Ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines
- Strong attention to detail and accurate record keeping
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and relevant housing/database systems
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to communicate effectively with landlords, tenants, colleagues and external organisations
- Commitment to equality, diversity, safeguarding and customer-focused service
Qualifications & Other Requirements
- Relevant housing, property, lettings or equivalent professional experience
- Eligibility to work in the UK – essential
- Ability and willingness to undertake relevant training and continuing professional development
- Willingness to work flexibly and attend landlord/tenant forums, meetings and property viewings as required
- Completion of the Lambeth New Starter Form – required
Contract & Employment Details
Job Reference: OR111969
Job Type: Full-time, Temporary / Fixed-term Contract
Contract Length: 5+ months
Experience
- Private Sector Housing / Lettings: required
- Property sourcing and landlord negotiation: required
- Homelessness prevention or housing needs: required
- Assessing property suitability: required
- Supporting customers into PRS tenancies: required
- Universal Credit / Housing Benefit knowledge: desirable
- Council or local authority housing experience: desirable
Work Authorisation
- United Kingdom – required
Required Documents
- Proof of eligibility to work in the UK
- Lambeth New Starter Form
Pay: £23.51 per hour
Experience:
- private sector housing: 1 year (required)
- lettings and homelessness: 1 year (required)
- property sourcing: 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
