Principal​/Senior Housing Standards Officer

Principal/Senior Housing Standards Officer

Salary: PO2 £ 39,862 - £42,839 or SO2 £ 37,280 – £39,152

Hours:

Full time (37 hours per week)

Contract:

Permanent

Location:

Knowsthorpe Gate, LS9 0NP

Are you looking for a new challenge, passionate about improving housing standards, and experienced in regulating housing conditions in the Private Rented Sector? If so, Leeds City Council is recruiting to the position of Principal / Senior Housing Standards Officer.

Leeds City Council’s Private Rented Sector Service covers an estimated 80,000 homes across a wide range of housing types—from city‑centre high‑rise flats to student HMOs and older housing in lower‑demand areas. This variety means your work will remain interesting and offer opportunities to develop your skills while helping improve living conditions for local residents.

The service also operates some of the largest HMO and Selective Licensing schemes in the country, contributing to safer, better‑managed private rented homes.

As a Marmot City the service also works closely with its health partners to tackle health inequalities and deprivation and is also making a real difference on tackling criminality in the private rented sector which blights so many communities and destroys lives.

Leeds has worked closely with the government and other core cities on the introduction of the Renters Rights Act 2025, taking part in several pilots on the new legislation and helping develop new approaches to housing regulation.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

• A degree or diploma in Environmental Health, OR;
• A comparable building related degree or other housing qualification minimum Level 5, together with relevant work‑based experience (for Principal Housing Standards Officer role only).

For both roles:
Competency to undertake inspections and enforcement actions in relation to housing legislation and the HHSRS. Full driving licence and have the use of your own vehicle for work purposes. Experience in inspections, enforcement and case management. Strong communication skills and a genuine commitment to supporting local communities.

Inspect and regulate private sector housing to ensure it meets legal standards. Investigate complaints and take enforcement action when required. Manage more complex cases, including preparing prosecution files and tribunal bundles. Work with a range of internal and external partners. Contribute to improving processes and supporting education and awareness activities. Coach and mentor staff to meet their potentials (Principal Housing Standards Officer only).

This role in integral to our private rented sector regulation team and would suit someone who is organised, motivated, and comfortable working in a varied and sometimes challenging environment. The role is predominantly office based with inspections city wide.

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions

• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

With an expanding team of around 80 staff, there are plenty of opportunities to move up and lead on projects.

The service invests in its people through training, coaching, and supporting staff on housing‑specific qualifications from Level 4 to Level 6.

Please complete the online application form here:

Principal Housing Standards Officer apply here

Senior Housing Standards Officer apply here

Read our guidance for further advice on completing your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the roles please contact Paul Broadhurst, Service Manager Call  or email

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s or Adults’ barred list as applicable will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of…