Property Standards & Empty Homes Officer

Property Standards & Empty Homes Officer

Esher, United Kingdom Posted on 07/09/2026

Job Description Property Standards & Empty Homes Officer - 2 Month Contract

Location: Civic Centre, High Street, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9SD

Contract: 2 Month Contract

Working Pattern: Hybrid - Minimum 3 Days Office/Site Visits and 2 Days Remote (subject to service requirements)

Training: Full-time office attendance required during the first week

Summary

Elmbridge Borough Council is looking for a seasoned Property Standards & Empty Homes Officer to enhance its Housing Standards Team. This position is crucial due to an expected rise in caseloads following the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act. The role involves elevating housing conditions in private rentals, owner-occupied homes, HMOs, and mobile home sites, as well as revitalizing vacant properties throughout the borough. Responsibilities include conducting inspections, addressing housing complaints, enforcing relevant legislation, and collaborating with landlords, tenants, property owners, and partner agencies to uphold housing standards.

Responsibilities

• Conduct both proactive and reactive inspections of residential properties.
• Investigate complaints concerning housing disrepair and substandard conditions.
• Utilize the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to evaluate housing hazards.
• Formulate enforcement recommendations and issue statutory notices as needed.
• Perform inspections, licensing, and enforcement activities for HMOs.
• Oversee and regulate caravan and mobile home sites.
• Identify long term vacant properties and collaborate with owners to restore them.
• Promote initiatives for empty homes through advice, education, and awareness campaigns.
• Support the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act and related housing standards duties.
• Investigate environmental protection complaints related to statutory nuisances.
• Provide guidance to residents, landlords, agents, and property owners on housing standards and disrepair issues.
• Monitor compliance with statutory notices and take further action when necessary.
• Prepare evidence for legal proceedings and serve as a witness in court, tribunals, or hearings as required.
• Maintain precise records, reports, and performance data.
• Update housing standards information on the Council's website and communication channels.
• Conduct Homes for Ukraine property inspections and follow up visits as needed.

Requirements

Requirements:

• Solid educational background, including English and Mathematics.
• HND/HNC (or equivalent) in:
  • Environmental Health
  • Housing
  • Construction related discipline

OR

• Certificate of Competence in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
• Experience as a:
  • Private Sector Housing Officer
  • Housing Standards Officer
  • Environmental Health Technical Officer
  • Similar Housing Enforcement role
• Experience in inspecting residential properties and assessing housing conditions.
• Experience in surveying dwellings and identifying defects and disrepair.
• Knowledge of:
  • Housing Act legislation
  • HHSRS
  • HMO licensing and enforcement
  • Private sector housing standards
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to draft reports, notices, and correspondence.
• Capability to work independently and manage a diverse caseload.
• Proficient IT skills, including experience with databases and Microsoft Office.
• Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle for business use.
• Experience in drafting statutory notices and enforcement documentation.
• Experience in revitalizing empty homes.
• Experience with HMO licensing and enforcement.
• Training related to investigatory powers under the Renters' Rights Act 2025.
• Experience within a Local Authority Housing Standards Team.

What's on Offer?

• 2 Month Contract
• Hybrid Working
• Opportunity to assist the Council in addressing increased demand due to legislative changes.
• Diverse caseload across housing standards, enforcement, HMOs, and empty homes.
• Supportive team environment within the Housing Standards team.

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Property Standards Officer, Housing Standards Officer, Private Sector Housing Officer, Environmental Health Officer, HMO Officer, Housing Enforcement Officer, Empty Homes Officer, or Technical Housing Officer.