Job Description

(Senior) Private Sector Housing Officer

Grade 7: 36,482 - 39,845 per annum

Grade 8: 40,331 - 44,107 per annum

Are you passionate about improving housing standards for residents in Test Valley. If so, we're looking for a proactive and skilled housing professional, or someone who has relevant transferable skills and a willingness to learn, to join our dedicated Private Sector Housing team at Test Valley Borough Council.

This is a varied and rewarding career-graded role, offering the opportunity to work across the full remit of private sector housing functions. The successful applicant will be responsible for:

Carrying out property inspections across all tenures, including private rented, housing association, and owner-occupied homes, using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Taking appropriate enforcement action, including the service of notices, issuing civil penalties, and preparing cases for prosecution where necessary. Supporting the council's preparations for new duties under the upcoming Renters Rights Act, including changes to tenancy regulation and enforcement responsibilities. Licensing and inspecting Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and mobile home parks, ensuring compliance with current legislation and upcoming duties under the Renters Rights Act. Providing energy efficiency advice and supporting the delivery of improvement measures. Managing a personal caseload of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs), ensuring best use of grant funding to facilitate adaptations to enable residents to live safely and independently in their homes. This will involve administering the grants for a range of adaptations, from ramps and stairlifts to complex redesigns, conversions, and extensions. As a non-stock holding authority, we don't own any social housing, so you'll gain experience working with our housing association partners and private landlords across a wide range of housing issues. You'll need to be confident working independently, managing your own caseload, and making sound professional judgements.
We welcome applications from candidates with a range of experience and backgrounds. For appointment at Grade 8 (Senior Private Sector Housing Officer), we are looking for individuals with proven experience in housing enforcement, detailed property inspections, or construction-related roles, along with a relevant Level 4 qualification and the ability to manage complex cases independently. For Grade 7, we will consider applicants who demonstrate strong transferable skills, a sound understanding of housing-related issues, and a clear willingness to learn and develop within the role. In both cases, a commitment to delivering excellent service and upholding the Council's values is essential.

You'll be joining a friendly, supportive team that values innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to delivering excellent services. We are looking to recruit someone who shares those values.

We offer a competitive salary, generous benefits, and an agile working environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.

Please note:

The successful applicant will be required to hold a full valid UK driving licence and have access to their own vehicle. While we offer agile working, including the ability to work from home, you will be expected to attend the office on a regular basis and carry out site visits across the borough as and when required

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer who positively encourages applications from disabled people. If, as a disabled person, you meet the minimum criteria for a job then you will be guaranteed an interview, and we will ensure any reasonable adjustments are made to the interview process so that you can be fairly assessed for the vacancy.

For an informal discussion about the role, or to arrange a Teams appointment please contact:

Matt Laws, Private Sector Housing Team Leader - 01264 368621 or email mlaws@testvalley.gov.uk

Helen Taylor, Housing Development & Standards Manager - 01264 368620 or email htaylor@testvalley.gov.uk

Closing date:

19th October 2025

I

nterview date:

7th November 2025

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 36,482.00-44,107.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking
Work Location: In person