Private Housing Officer

Why Bristol City Council?

At Bristol City Council, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high-profile organisation. 

Join us and you will receive an excellent rewards package including membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance. In addition, you will be working in a supportive environment where you will have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.

Are you passionate about improving housing standards and making a difference in your community? Bristol City Council's Private Housing Service is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join one of the largest Private Housing Services in England. With nearly 30% of Bristol’s population living in private rented accommodation, this is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of housing in our vibrant city.

As a Private Housing Officer (PHO), you’ll play a key role in ensuring private rented properties meet the required standards. Following the introduction of two new licensing schemes, you’ll be joining a diverse team that’s at the forefront of maintaining and improving housing conditions. This is a fantastic chance to make a tangible impact on the quality of housing in Bristol.

What you’ll be doing:

In this frontline role, you will:

• Handle the licensing of private rented accommodation, advising on property eligibility and owners' responsibilities.
• Process licence applications.
• Provide basic advice to tenants regarding property repairs, tenancy rights, and housing conditions.
• Manage incoming queries via phone, email, and post from private tenants, landlords, and homeowners.

What we’re looking for:

We need someone who is an excellent communicator, able to explain complex legislation in a clear and professional manner. You’ll need to balance tact, empathy, and assertiveness, as you may often be handling sensitive or challenging situations.

Key skills required:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good IT skills and a proactive, problem-solving approach.
• A passion for delivering excellent customer service.
• Knowledge of private housing or experience with council IT systems is a plus.

Why join our team?

• Career progression: We offer a progression framework path from Private Housing Officer Level 1 (BG8) to Level 2 (BG9), giving you the opportunity to advance as your skills develop.
• Hybrid working: We operate a hybrid model, with the flexibility to work from home most of the time, while still ensuring regular visits to our Bristol office as needed.
• Flexible working time is available for this role.

Salary: £28,163 - £30,060 (BG8) with potential to progress to £31,067 - £33,366 (BG9).