Principal Private Sector Housing Officer - Licencing
Luton Borough Council
United Kingdom
Published today
Housing officer
Full Time
About the job
Salary: £36,363 - £41,771 a year plus £963 essential car user allowance
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
As a Private Sector Housing Enforcement Officer-Licensing, you will play a vital role in improving housing standards and protecting residents across Luton. Working within the Private Sector Housing team, you will be responsible for inspecting residential properties, including Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), to ensure compliance with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and the Decent Homes Standard.
This is a varied and hands-on role where you will carry out detailed inspections, assess housing conditions, and make professional recommendations to secure compliance with legislation. You will manage HMO licence applications and take enforcement action where required, including preparing cases for prosecution, issuing Civil Penalty Notices, applying for Rent Repayment Orders, and presenting evidence at court and Residential Property Tribunals.
You will investigate complex service requests relating to housing conditions and tenancy issues, working collaboratively with internal departments, external agencies, and other professionals to deliver effective outcomes. Your work will also contribute to the development and implementation of Private Sector Housing policies, supporting the Council's wider housing and public health objectives.
In addition, you will act as a source of expertise within the team, providing guidance, mentoring, and support to less experienced officers and trainees. You will help develop procedures and guidance to ensure consistent and high-quality service delivery.
The role also involves representing the Council at meetings, hearings, tribunals, and court proceedings, as well as engaging with residents, landlords, and partner organisations. You will actively promote initiatives such as Decent Homes, energy efficiency, and affordable warmth, and make referrals to other services where appropriate.
This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive and knowledgeable professional who is passionate about housing standards, enforcement, and making a tangible difference to local communities.
Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.
About you
We're seeking an experienced and confident professional with a strong background in Private Sector Housing or Environmental Health licensing, or demonstrable equivalent experience. You will bring practical knowledge of enforcement work and be comfortable managing complex cases within a regulatory environment.
You will have experience, or a developing understanding, of court proceedings and Residential Property Tribunals, along with exposure to handling public enquiries and contributing to Local Government Ombudsman investigations.
Your communication and interpersonal skills are key to success in this role. You are able to consult, negotiate, influence, and present effectively to a wide range of audiences, including residents, landlords, professionals, and partner agencies. You can analyse complex situations-such as inspecting and measuring properties, evaluating works, and compiling evidence-and translate your findings into clear, professional reports with sound recommendations.
Highly organised and proactive, you can manage your own workload and support others to meet deadlines, demonstrating strong time management and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. You are confident using IT systems in your day-to-day work, including spreadsheets, and are willing to develop your skills further where needed. Familiarity with Public Protection systems is advantageous.
You will have a strong understanding of equality and diversity, recognising how discrimination can impact service delivery and the people you work with, and applying this awareness in your approach.
Your specialist knowledge will include Local Authority enforcement procedures and a solid understanding of building construction and services. You will either have significant relevant enforcement experience or in-depth knowledge of key legislation, including the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Registration with the Environmental Health Officers' Registration Board (EHRB) as an EHO/EHP/CEHP, or a qualification in Environmental Health, Building Construction, or a related field, is desirable.
You will also need to be flexible and practical in your approach. The role requires regular travel across the Borough and the ability to carry out property inspections, including accessing lofts and roof spaces using ladders. Occasional evening or early morning work may be required, and you will be expected to work from the office at least two days per week.
About us
Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision - that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty - is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents.
The people of Luton depend heavily on this council - and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our borough
Application Process
Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and also any adult cautions (simple or conditional), and spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020). A person's criminal record will not in itself prevent a person from being appointed to this post. Applicants will not be refused posts because of offences which are not relevant to, and do not place them at or make them a risk in, the role for which they are applying. However in the event of the employment being taken up, any failure to disclose such offence, as detailed above, will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority.On occasions, we may close a vacancy early due to a very high number of applications being received.
Benefits
We offer a range of excellent staff benefits which include:
- From 25 to 32 days' annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
- Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
- Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
- Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 19.2 per cent (at April 2026) and 3x salary death in service grant
- Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
- Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
- Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns
- Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
- Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
- Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel
Salary: £36,363 - £41,771 a year plus £963 essential car user allowance
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
As a Private Sector Housing Enforcement Officer-Licensing, you will play a vital role in improving housing standards and protecting residents across Luton. Working within the Private Sector Housing team, you will be responsible for inspecting residential properties, including Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), to ensure compliance with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and the Decent Homes Standard.
This is a varied and hands-on role where you will carry out detailed inspections, assess housing conditions, and make professional recommendations to secure compliance with legislation. You will manage HMO licence applications and take enforcement action where required, including preparing cases for prosecution, issuing Civil Penalty Notices, applying for Rent Repayment Orders, and presenting evidence at court and Residential Property Tribunals.
You will investigate complex service requests relating to housing conditions and tenancy issues, working collaboratively with internal departments, external agencies, and other professionals to deliver effective outcomes. Your work will also contribute to the development and implementation of Private Sector Housing policies, supporting the Council's wider housing and public health objectives.
In addition, you will act as a source of expertise within the team, providing guidance, mentoring, and support to less experienced officers and trainees. You will help develop procedures and guidance to ensure consistent and high-quality service delivery.
The role also involves representing the Council at meetings, hearings, tribunals, and court proceedings, as well as engaging with residents, landlords, and partner organisations. You will actively promote initiatives such as Decent Homes, energy efficiency, and affordable warmth, and make referrals to other services where appropriate.
This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive and knowledgeable professional who is passionate about housing standards, enforcement, and making a tangible difference to local communities.
Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.
About you
We're seeking an experienced and confident professional with a strong background in Private Sector Housing or Environmental Health licensing, or demonstrable equivalent experience. You will bring practical knowledge of enforcement work and be comfortable managing complex cases within a regulatory environment.
You will have experience, or a developing understanding, of court proceedings and Residential Property Tribunals, along with exposure to handling public enquiries and contributing to Local Government Ombudsman investigations.
Your communication and interpersonal skills are key to success in this role. You are able to consult, negotiate, influence, and present effectively to a wide range of audiences, including residents, landlords, professionals, and partner agencies. You can analyse complex situations-such as inspecting and measuring properties, evaluating works, and compiling evidence-and translate your findings into clear, professional reports with sound recommendations.
Highly organised and proactive, you can manage your own workload and support others to meet deadlines, demonstrating strong time management and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. You are confident using IT systems in your day-to-day work, including spreadsheets, and are willing to develop your skills further where needed. Familiarity with Public Protection systems is advantageous.
You will have a strong understanding of equality and diversity, recognising how discrimination can impact service delivery and the people you work with, and applying this awareness in your approach.
Your specialist knowledge will include Local Authority enforcement procedures and a solid understanding of building construction and services. You will either have significant relevant enforcement experience or in-depth knowledge of key legislation, including the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Registration with the Environmental Health Officers' Registration Board (EHRB) as an EHO/EHP/CEHP, or a qualification in Environmental Health, Building Construction, or a related field, is desirable.
You will also need to be flexible and practical in your approach. The role requires regular travel across the Borough and the ability to carry out property inspections, including accessing lofts and roof spaces using ladders. Occasional evening or early morning work may be required, and you will be expected to work from the office at least two days per week.
About us
Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision - that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty - is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents.
The people of Luton depend heavily on this council - and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our borough
Application Process
Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and also any adult cautions (simple or conditional), and spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020). A person's criminal record will not in itself prevent a person from being appointed to this post. Applicants will not be refused posts because of offences which are not relevant to, and do not place them at or make them a risk in, the role for which they are applying. However in the event of the employment being taken up, any failure to disclose such offence, as detailed above, will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority.On occasions, we may close a vacancy early due to a very high number of applications being received.
Benefits
We offer a range of excellent staff benefits which include:
- From 25 to 32 days' annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
- Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
- Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
- Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 19.2 per cent (at April 2026) and 3x salary death in service grant
- Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
- Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
- Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns
- Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
- Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
- Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel