Location
London Borough of Hounslow

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£55,323 per annum

About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Private Sector Housing Standards Team as a Principal Housing Standards Officer. You will lead the Council's HMO Enforcement Team, managing a small team of three officers responsible for identifying and tackling unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), protecting tenants and improving housing standards across the borough.

Hounslow has a large and growing private rented sector, with approximately one in four households living in privately rented accommodation. This is a high-profile role at an exciting time for the service as we build on our successful borough-wide Additional Licensing Scheme and develop proposals for a Selective Licensing Scheme. You will play a key role in delivering regulatory services that make a tangible difference to residents, landlords and local communities.

The role reports directly to the Head of Housing Standards and provides opportunities to lead enforcement activity, develop policy and contribute to the Council's wider housing improvement agenda, including the implementation of new powers arising from the Renters' Rights reforms.

The Private Sector Housing Standards Team sits within the Planning and Buildings Service, part of the Council's Placemaking and Growth directorate. Working alongside housing, planning and regeneration colleagues, the team delivers a joined-up One Hounslow approach for residents.

The team is responsible for improving standards across Hounslow's private rented sector through:
- HMO licensing and regulation
- Enforcement against unlicensed HMOs
- Investigating tenant complaints about housing conditions and disrepair
- Bringing empty properties back into use
- Delivering new responsibilities under the Renters' Rights Act
- Developing and implementing property licensing schemes

Working closely with colleagues across housing services, the team helps ensure residents have access to safe and well-managed homes. This is an exciting time to join the service as we build on our successful borough-wide Additional Licensing Scheme and develop proposals for Selective Licensing, helping to shape the future of private sector housing regulation in Hounslow.

Experience
- Experience in private sector housing regulation, housing enforcement or environmental health work relating to residential property.
- Knowledge of housing legislation, including HMO licensing, housing conditions, enforcement powers and landlord compliance requirements.
- Ability to manage complex investigations and take proportionate enforcement action to achieve positive outcomes.
- Experience of supervising, motivating and developing staff to deliver high-quality services.
- Skilled at building effective working relationships with residents, landlords, elected members and partner organisations.
- Confident preparing reports, presenting evidence and making well-reasoned regulatory decisions.

About you
Committed to improving housing standards and protecting residents living in the private rented sector. Enthusiastic about leading a team and contributing to housing policy development.

Qualifications
Basic DBS check required.