Help us protect tenants, improve housing conditions, and make a real difference in the private rented sector.
We’re looking for a motivated and community‑focused Private Sector Housing Officer to join our Housing Service. This is a career‑graded role, offering the opportunity to start at Grade D and progress to Grade E as you build skills, experience, and professional competence.
If you're passionate about improving housing conditions, supporting vulnerable residents, and ensuring fair treatment for tenants, we’d love to hear from you.
About the Role
As a Private Sector Housing Officer, you will play a key role in protecting tenants from unlawful eviction, discrimination, and poor practice. You will help ensure that private rented homes are safe, well‑managed, and compliant with statutory requirements.
You will:
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Investigate breaches of the Renters Rights Act 2025, Protection from Eviction Act 1977, and Housing Act 2004.
- Handle cases ranging from advice and early dispute resolution to complex enforcement matters.
- Carry out property inspections, identify hazards, and work with landlords to achieve compliance.
- Serve statutory notices, including Civil Penalty Notices, where appropriate.
- Work closely with Housing Advice to prevent homelessness arising from private sector disputes.
- Prepare evidence, write witness statements, and attend court when required.
- Build effective working relationships with tenants, landlords, partner agencies, and internal teams.
This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone with:
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Knowledge of housing legislation, tenancy rights, and housing standards.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict‑resolution skills.
- Experience managing a diverse caseload in a fast‑paced environment.
- Ability to work with vulnerable residents, including on sensitive and complex cases.
- Confidence in property inspections and understanding of HHSRS (or willingness to train).
- A professional, resilient, customer‑focused approach.
A housing‑related apprenticeship or professional qualification (e.g. Housing or Environmental Health) is desirable. Support will be available for candidates looking to develop toward a higher grade.
Career Progression
This is a banded pay grade role, offering structured progression. To move from Grade D to Grade E, you will need to demonstrate:
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Successful completion of a housing‑related apprenticeship or equivalent qualification.
- Experience across a full range of housing standards cases, including complex enforcement.
- Ability to guide and support more junior colleagues under senior supervision.
- A consistently strong performance record.
Why Join Us?
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A supportive team committed to high standards and professional development.
- Opportunities to shape and implement new legislation in the private rented sector.
- Meaningful work that directly improves housing conditions and community wellbeing.
- Flexible working options and access to training and development programs.
- Local government pension scheme and employee benefits.
Essential Requirements
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You will be required to travel within the district as part of this role.
- Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload.
- Satisfactory DBS check.
For more information about the post please contact Marlene Rogers on 01243 534644 or Teresa O’Toole on 01243 534735.
Employee benefits include:
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Excellent defined benefits Pension Scheme
- Minimum 26 days holiday going up to 31 days after 5 years (or before with previous service) plus paid Bank Holidays
- Flexi-time (available for most positions) - potential to build up an extra 12 days leave a year
- Flexible working arrangements including working from home and 9-day fortnight options
- Employee Assistance Programme for staff and their relatives
- Cycle to Work Scheme/Car and Cycle Loan Scheme/discounted city centre parking/ Lease Car Scheme
- Health & Wellbeing initiatives including free health checks and free eye tests plus subsidised leisure centre membership
- Payment of your main professional subscription fee.
- Training and development opportunities – including funding of professional qualification training
- Staff Awards Scheme
Chichester District Council has a commitment to Equality of Opportunity in Employment. If you have a disability which makes it difficult for you to complete our application form please contact the HR Section who will assist you.
