PRS Officer

ROLE OVERVIEW

We are currently supporting a Hertfordshire local authority with the appointment of a Private Rented Sector (PRS) Officer to help prevent and relieve homelessness by increasing access to good-quality private rented accommodation, supporting tenants and landlords, and maximising the supply of PRS housing available to households in housing need.

This role sits within the Council's Housing Options service and works closely with colleagues across homelessness prevention, housing benefits and tenancy sustainment teams to deliver positive outcomes for residents while building strong, lasting relationships with private landlords and letting agents across the district.

THE ROLE

• Proactively develop and maintain positive working relationships with private landlords and letting agents to increase the supply of good-quality private rented homes available to the Council.
• Source suitable, affordable private rented accommodation to prevent homelessness and discharge the Council's statutory homelessness duties under the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Deliver a tenancy sustainment service to private sector tenants and landlords at risk of homelessness, including those assisted through Rent in Advance and Deposit Guarantee schemes.
• Provide advice, mediation and support to tenants and landlords regarding rent arrears and welfare benefit changes, including Universal Credit, to prevent unnecessary evictions.
• Negotiate rents and tenancy terms with landlords and agents, securing accommodation at Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate or as close to it as possible.
• Investigate and resolve claims against Deposit Guarantee schemes, including property inspections where required.
• Advise on the validity of notices served on tenants and take a proactive role in resolving the underlying causes of eviction risk.
• Liaise with the Council's Housing Benefit team and other internal services to resolve issues affecting tenancy sustainment.
• Work with vulnerable households, identifying and responding appropriately to safeguarding, support and equalities needs.
• Support initiatives and incentive schemes designed to attract new landlords and increase the supply and standard of private rented accommodation in the district.
• Maintain accurate case records and contribute to performance reporting on PRS supply, tenancy sustainment and homelessness prevention outcomes.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Experience working within housing, homelessness or private rented sector services, ideally within a local authority setting.
• Strong working knowledge of the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and their application to PRS access and homelessness prevention.
• Experience negotiating with landlords and letting agents, with a proven ability to secure and sustain private rented tenancies.
• Understanding of welfare benefits, including Universal Credit and Local Housing Allowance, and their impact on tenancy sustainment.
• Experience providing mediation and advice to tenants and landlords to prevent homelessness and resolve disputes.
• Confident supporting vulnerable households, with an awareness of safeguarding responsibilities and equalities considerations.
• Strong relationship-building, negotiation and communication skills.
• Excellent case management, organisational and record-keeping skills, with the ability to manage a busy and varied caseload.
• Experience of housing management systems and general IT proficiency, including MS Office.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Experience of PRS access or referral platforms (such as Home Connections) is desirable but not essential. This role may require occasional travel within the district for landlord meetings and property visits.