Private Sector Housing Assistant

• P2516_Private_Sector_Housing_Assistant

Private Sector Housing Assistant

£38,949 to £42,500 inclusive annual salary plus generous local government pension, plus car user allowance

Fixed Term Contract (18 Months)

Full-time (37 hours per week)

Flexible working options (including hybrid)

P2516

About the role

We are seeking a motivated and committed Private Sector Housing Assistant to support the delivery of decent, safe and legally compliant housing across the private rented sector in St Albans City & District.

This role plays a key part in helping the Council meet its statutory responsibilities under the Renters’ Rights Act, supporting tenant protection, landlord compliance and the effective use of the private rented sector to prevent homelessness.

You will:

• Support the delivery of private sector housing enforcement, licensing and complaint handling functions, including HMOs, poor housing conditions, empty homes and private mobile home sites.
• Undertake property inspections, including HHSRS assessments, and assist with formal enforcement action where legal standards are not met.
• Work collaboratively with landlords, tenants, Housing Options and Lettings colleagues to promote lawful renting practices, sustain tenancies and prevent homelessness.

The post offers a varied workload combining fieldwork, case management and partnership working, with opportunities to develop enforcement and regulatory skills within a supportive team environment.

About you

We are looking for someone who is customer‑focused, organised and confident in dealing with complex housing‑related matters.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience of working in a housing‑related role, supporting the delivery of front‑line services and managing casework.
• The ability to undertake site visits and property inspections, maintain accurate records and work within legislative frameworks.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information clearly and professionally.
• An understanding of housing standards, equality and data protection requirements within a local authority or regulatory context.
• Good IT skills, with experience of using case management systems and Microsoft Office applications.

A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes is required. Knowledge of private sector housing enforcement, HHSRS and relevant housing legislation is beneficial.

Join us in making St Albans City and District carbon neutral by 2030, guided by our Sustainability and Climate Crisis Strategy, we put the environment at the heart of every decision. We live our values - trust, care, confidence, collaboration, and customer focus - while delivering sustainable services, reducing environmental impact and making a difference.

St Albans is a unique English Cathedral City with a colourful history which can be seen in the Roman remains and variety of beautiful architecture, heritage sites and conservation areas. Set within green belt, off the M25, A1M and M1 the District includes a cathedral, vibrant city centre and thriving villages. Our centrally located offices in the city are near to the station (London St Pancras 20 minutes), shops and restaurants. In short it is a great place to live and work.

In addition to working within a great team and a comprehensive salary you will have access to:

• 28.5 days basic annual leave (increasing with service) + bank holidays.
• Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
• Flexible working options
• Staff Parking Permit
• Reimbursement of professional fees
• Comprehensive development and training
• Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres
• Access to discounts and benefits via online platform

Additional Information

• Disability Confident
  We are proud to be a Disability Confident employerand guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets all the essential criteria for the post.
• Safeguarding
  This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Check.
• English Fluency
  The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.

For an informal discussion, please contact John Frost, Principal Strategic Housing Officer on (01727) 819443 or e-mail john.frost@stalbans.gov.uk

A detailed job description and person specification are published on the advert for this role. The person specification sets out the criteria we use to assess applicants. The Council reserves the right to reject applicants at the shortlisting stage, where the application process has not been completed correctly.

For full details and to learn more about us visit Jobs and Careers or email recruitment@stalbans.gov.uk or telephone (01727) 819251 stating your details and the post reference number.

Closing date for applications: 5th May 2026

Interviews are scheduled for w/c: 18th May 2026

NOTE: Interviews are conducted throughout the application process. We reserve the right to close the vacancy at an earlier date and we strongly encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.