Housing Standards Officer

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Housing Standards Officer at Rochdale Council, this is a full-time temporary role for the next 6 months with the possibility of extension.

What is the role?

Rochdale Council are looking for a Housing Standards Officer, to assist the Housing Standards Team Lead in delivering a housing standards service which includes carrying out property surveys and inspections using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, the implementation of both reactive and proactive enforcement of Housing Legislation, HMO Licensing, Empty Properties and Landlord Accreditation.

What are your responsibilities?

• To undertake property surveys using the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) where required.
• Implement the Council's approved policies and duties in relation to all aspects of housing standards.
• Provide a pro-active and reactive service to private tenants making use of existing powers under the Housing Act 2004.
• To assist in the delivery of the Council’s Mandatory and Additional HMO Licensing Scheme
• Assist in the delivery of the Council’s Landlord Accreditation Scheme
• Assist in the delivery of the Empty Property Strategy, including identifying and visiting empty properties, liaison with other agencies, communication with owners of empty properties and identifying solutions to deal with empty properties both in the short term and long term.
• Provide guidance and advice to owners, landlords, and tenants in interpreting HHSRS surveys, schedules of work and legislative requirements.
• Support the Housing Standards Team Lead and Technical staff in relation to housing standards, by:
• Investigating complaints, and undertaking service requests from tenants/landlords/owners, in relation to any housing standards matter by:
• Liaising with the Housing Technical Officer in the preparation of schedules of work based on HHSRS survey reports.
• Preparing statutory notices on infringements of Housing legislation, preparation of files for prosecution, assist with carrying out interview under caution ensuring the requirements of PACE are met and where necessary to appear as a witness on behalf of the council at courts of law, public inquiries, tribunals and at other outside meetings as required.
• Conducting investigations and interviews under caution ensuring the requirements of PACE (Police & Criminal Evidence Act) are adhered to.
• Undertaking reactive and proactive site visits / inspections and taking any necessary remedial action to ensure compliance with legislative standards relating to empty properties. 
• Undertaking surveys, surveillance, research activities and project work.
• Participating in activities such as Landlord Accreditation Forums and Community Meetings.
• Contributing to all other appropriate activities undertaken across the strategic housing service

What skills do you Need?

• Must have recent experience of working as a Housing Standards Officer, ideally for another Local Authority or Housing Association.
• HHSRS Qualified.
• Full Knowledge of all Housing Legislations.
• Strong IT Skills, as you will be using Microsoft Office, and Internal Council IT Systems as well.
• Excellent people skills, as you will be speaking to the public, other members of staff and managers.
• Full UK Driving Licence, and access to a vehicle.

Next Steps:

To receive a full job description please apply below or email your CV to