Job Details
RESPONSIBLE FOR:
As a member of the Housing Regulation team this post is directly responsible for :-
• Inspection and statutory regulation of dwellings including Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO’s) and other licensed houses.
• Investigating service requests and referrals pertaining to poor housing conditions and management
• Undertaking informal and formal interventions to improve or remedy substandard housing including, serving notice, making Orders, preparing for litigation and representing the Council at both Criminal Courts and Tribunal.
• Investigating allegations of illegal eviction or harassment by private sector landlords.
MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB:
To work as part of a dedicated team focusing on the inspection, regulation and statutory enforcement of housing standards in private accommodation and to contribute to the successful delivery of mandatory and discretionary licensing schemes. To improve the standard of private housing in the borough by utilising the full range of regulatory tools available including education, engagement, service of statutory notices and orders, prosecution, civil financial penalties, works in default and Management Orders pursuant to the Housing Act 2004 and other relevant legislation.
MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES:
1. To inspect, regulate and license privately rented accommodation on behalf of the Council expertly utilising all relevant legislation to protect the health and welfare of residents.
2. To assess housing conditions using the housing health and safety rating system (HHSRS), and, to tackle sub-standard housing conditions or poor property management by undertaking informal and formal interventions including: serving statutory notices and orders, issuing/revoking licences, commissioning works in default, preparing prosecutions files, and making Management Orders
3. To investigate complaints of unlawful eviction and harassment of tenants by private sector landlords, and where appropriate to gather evidence and prepare files for litigation in line with PACE codes of Practice and local policies and procedures.
4. To prepare detailed, complex reports, witness statements and correspondence pertaining to area of expertise. Where legislative breaches have been identified, to prepare legal files using criminal and civil procedure rules, presenting all evidence in the case for referral to Legal Services where appropriate; as well as representing the Council’s interests at Court and Tribunal (Property Chamber).
5. To provide high quality and timely advice to the Council advising the Cabinet, Scrutiny Committee and Panels, Members, the Chief Executive and other colleague on all aspects of private sector housing enforcement and regulation.
6. To contribute to the development of corporate strategies and plans for improving housing options and relieving homelessness and maintaining excellent working relationships with the Council’s Accommodation and Housing Demand services.
7. To provide expert advice and guidance to landlords to help them comply with their legal obligations.
8. Taking an intelligence led approach to the identification of rogue landlords and unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation and other houses; leading multi-agency operations to tackle property related ASB, crime and disorder.
9. Utilising delegated powers to obtain warrants of entry; undertaking unannounced visits at anti-social hours in evenings and at weekends, securing evidence for consideration for further enforcement activity.
10. To plan & prioritise own workload and the workload of junior officers, to achieve personal, team, service and corporate targets. Evaluate & prioritise cases based on risk, having regard to the Council’s overall safeguarding responsibilities.
11. Managing complex investigations involving multiple offences; interviewing suspects under caution and preserving evidence in line with the Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
12. Dealing empathetically and sensitively with victims of crime and ASB, obtaining witness statements for use in legal proceedings.
13. To undertake project work associated with the area of expertise, in response to external funding opportunities to maximise the benefits of securing additional resources to improve the housing standards for private sector residents of the borough.
14. Responsible for the development and maintenance of operational and strategic partnerships with Council services and external agencies including Police, DWP, HMRC, Home Office Immigration Enforcement, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue.
Umbrella Rate – £51.68
