Job description
Do you have a passion for protecting residents, raising housing standards, and making a real difference in your community? Reading Borough Council’s Private Sector Housing Team is seeking a dedicated Private Sector Housing Officer to help us ensure that homes in the private rented sector are safe, well-maintained, and meet statutory requirements.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
We support hybrid working, it’s important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you’ll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle. There will be a requirement to come to the Civic Offices in Reading 2 to 3 days a week – due to requirement for site visits.

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU INDICATE ON YOUR APPLICATION WHICH JOB DESCRIPTION YOU WISH TO BE CONSIDERED FOR.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading
Drive Efficiency - create an environment in which resources are used efficiently and employees’ skills are developed and used effectively
Be Ambitious - aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential
Make a Difference to Reading - inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity

ABOUT THE ROLE:

As a Private Sector Housing Officer, you will investigate complaints and service requests related to housing conditions, carry out inspections using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), and take enforcement action where necessary. You will be responsible for licensing Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), dealing with nuisance cases, pest infestations, and supporting vulnerable residents.
You’ll work closely with landlords, tenants, and partner agencies, helping to improve property standards and promote good practice across the private housing sector in Reading.
Additional payments are available for out-of-hours rota participation, and the Council will pay for one professional subscription annually.
We are looking for someone with a strong understanding of housing and environmental health legislation, particularly the Housing Act 2004. You’ll have experience of inspecting housing, assessing risks using the HHSRS, and dealing with a broad range of issues such as fire safety, pests, and property disrepair. Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential, as is the ability to manage a diverse caseload and respond flexibly to changing demands.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Investigate complaints and carry out inspections of private sector housing in line with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
• Enforce housing legislation, including issuing notices, preparing legal documentation, and attending court or tribunals where necessary.
• Manage cases relating to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), including licensing, inspections, and compliance.
• Work closely with landlords, tenants, and partner agencies to resolve housing issues and promote good practice.
• Contribute to housing-related projects, campaigns, and initiatives that support our wider strategic objectives.