Private Sector Licence Process Officer – AR

Job Description

Private Sector Housing Licence Process Officer

Directorate:
Housing and Regeneration
Service:
Health and Housing
Grade: G

Reports to:

Principal Environmental Health Officer
DBS Requirement:
Standard DBS Check
Politically Restricted Post:
No

To support the effective delivery of the council’s Private Sector Housing Licensing service by accurately processing and assessing licence applications within the private rented sector. The post holder will ensure compliance with relevant legislation, primarily the Housing Act 2004, council policies, and procedures, contributing to improved housing standards and the protection of residents across the borough.

The role operates as part of a wider team, providing a responsive, customer-focused service and supporting Environmental Health and Housing Standards Officers where applications are complex or problematic.

Process and assess applications for Selective, Additional, and Mandatory Housing Licences in accordance with statutory requirements, council policies, and best professional practice. Manage an allocated caseload, ensuring applications are progressed efficiently and within required timescales. Review applications for accuracy, completeness, and compliance, identifying deficiencies, missing documentation, or inconsistencies. Calculate and verify the correct payment of licence fees in line with council policy.

Maintain accurate, up-to-date records on council IT systems, ensuring confidentiality and data protection requirements are met.

Apply knowledge of private sector housing legislation, particularly the Housing Act 2004, to assess applications and identify risks or non‑compliance. Escalate complex or high‑risk applications to Environmental Health Officers or Housing Standards Officers as appropriate. Assist lead officers with investigations relating to problematic or non‑compliant applications by providing accurate information and administrative support.

Undertake occasional site visits, including revisits, to verify licence application details such as property condition and occupancy levels. Carry out visits alone where required, taking appropriate notes and following council health and safety procedures, recognising potential personal risk.

Provide clear advice and guidance to landlords, licence holders, agents, and members of the public regarding licensing requirements and application processes. Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with applicants, colleagues, and external stakeholders. Liaise with lead officers, administrative staff, and other service areas to support effective service delivery.

Contribute to the council’s priorities and objectives, promoting a “one organisation” approach. Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, partners, and local communities. Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring services are delivered in a non-discriminatory manner. Support service improvement, organisational change, and continuous learning through training and development. Promote sustainability, accountability, and innovation in service delivery. Comply with all council policies and procedures, including financial regulations, standing orders, and workforce policies.

Adhere to the council’s health, safety, and welfare at work policies at all times.

Carry out all duties in accordance with the council’s Health and Safety Policy. Take reasonable care for personal safety and the safety of others, particularly when undertaking site visits. Report incidents, risks, or hazards in line with council procedures.

Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends with notice, subject to business needs. Commitment to ongoing professional development, including participation in the council’s appraisal and review processes. Compliance with the council’s Code of Conduct, Equal Opportunities Policy, and relevant legislation. Undertake additional duties commensurate with the grade of the post as required.

This role is central to ensuring private rented properties within the borough are properly licensed, legally compliant, and accurately recorded, supporting safer housing standards and improved outcomes for residents.