Principal Housing Enforcement Officer

Principal Housing Enforcement Officer

Location: Central London

Job Type: Contract / Interim

Sector: Local Authority / Environmental Health / Private Sector Housing

Rate: £50+ per hour

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dedicated Principal Housing Enforcement Officer to join a progressive local authority team. This role focuses on leading and delivering complex housing enforcement activities and investigations to ensure compliance with housing legislation, licensing requirements, and regulatory standards in the private rented sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Complex Case Leadership: Lead on the investigation and enforcement of complex housing cases involving breaches of housing legislation, licensing conditions, property standards, and management regulations. Manage a substantial caseload operating with a high degree of autonomy and professional judgement.
• Inspections & Assessments: Conduct inspections of residential premises, including Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), licensed properties, and privately rented accommodation to identify hazards and determine appropriate interventions.
• Statutory Enforcement: Prepare, serve, and monitor statutory notices, civil penalties, prohibition orders, improvement notices, emergency remedial actions, and other formal enforcement measures. Undertake interviews under caution in accordance with PACE.
• Legal Proceedings & Court Representation: Prepare detailed reports, witness statements, prosecution files, and evidential records. Represent the Council and give professional evidence in court proceedings, tribunals, appeals, and formal hearings, working closely with Legal Services.
• Advisory & Partnership Working: Provide specialist advice and guidance to managers, senior officers, elected Members, and partner agencies on housing enforcement legislation, policy, and procedures. Develop and maintain effective partnerships to support coordinated enforcement activity.
• Service Improvement: Contribute to the development, implementation, and review of housing enforcement policies, procedures, and initiatives, and assist with the mentoring and professional development of junior officers.

Candidate Requirements:

• Extensive professional experience in private sector housing enforcement, environmental health, or a closely related regulatory field within a local authority setting.
• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Housing Act 2004, HMO management regulations, and associated housing standards.
• Proven experience in preparing robust legal files, serving statutory notices, and acting as an expert witness in tribunals or court proceedings.
• Strong technical inspection skills (including HHSRS) and familiarity with PACE requirements for conducting interviews under caution.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and conflict-resolution skills.

For more information, please contact Ollie on 02036271053 or by email at oliver.e@stonehouserg.com.

If this is of interest please apply below!