Job Description

Private Rented Sector Officer

Surrey Local Authority
40- 45 per hour (Umbrella)
Initial 6-Month Contract
Hybrid Working

Are you an experienced Private Rented Sector Officer or Private Sector Housing Officer looking for your next Local Authority contract?

A Surrey Local Authority is looking to recruit a proactive and relationship-focused Private Rented Sector Officer to join its Housing team on an initial six-month contract. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in reducing the use of temporary accommodation by securing sustainable housing solutions for households at risk of homelessness.

The Role

As a Private Rented Sector Officer, you'll work at the forefront of the Council's homelessness prevention service, sourcing suitable accommodation within the private rented sector and building strong partnerships with landlords and letting agents.

You'll be responsible for identifying new accommodation opportunities, negotiating tenancy arrangements and helping households move into safe, affordable homes. Working closely with colleagues across Housing, you'll make a direct contribution to preventing and relieving homelessness while reducing reliance on temporary accommodation.

This role would suit an experienced Private Sector Housing Officer or Private Rented Sector Officer who enjoys building relationships with landlords, negotiating successful outcomes and making a real difference to households in housing need.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively source and procure suitable private rented accommodation for households threatened with or experiencing homelessness.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with local landlords, letting agents and property owners.
• Negotiate tenancy agreements and financial packages to secure accommodation and achieve positive outcomes for applicants.
• Promote the Council's private rented sector initiatives and encourage landlord engagement.
• Work collaboratively with Housing Options colleagues to support households into appropriate long-term accommodation.
• Maintain accurate case records and ensure all work is completed in line with relevant housing legislation and Council policies.
• Contribute to reducing the number of households placed in temporary accommodation through effective prevention and relief work.

About You

To be considered for this role, you'll ideally have:

• Experience working within Housing Options, Homelessness Prevention or the Private Rented Sector.
• Experience liaising with private landlords and letting agents.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• A proactive approach with the ability to identify housing opportunities and deliver positive outcomes.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• An understanding of homelessness legislation and the challenges affecting the private rented sector would be advantageous.

What's on Offer?

• 40- 45 per hour (Umbrella).
• Initial 6-month contract with the potential for extension.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Opportunity to make a tangible impact on homelessness prevention within a supportive Housing team.
• Surrey-based Local Authority with an established Housing service.

If you're an experienced Private Rented Sector Officer, Private Sector Housing Officer, Housing Options Officer, Housing Officer or Homelessness Prevention Officer looking for your next Local Authority contract, I'd love to hear from you.

For more information, give me a call on (phone number removed) or email (url removed).