Landlord Liaison Officer

Job Introduction

2x fixed term contract for 2 years

We are seeking to recruit Landlord Liaison Officers with good knowledge of housing legislation and excellent negotiation skills to join a specialist team providing private rented housing options for people in housing need.

We are looking for candidates who have experience and understanding of the private rented sector market in either tenancy sustainability or property lettings to support private landlords operating across the district with practical advice, guidance and support to help them remain compliant with the Housing Act, Renters Rights Act and to resolve tenancy-related issues. We are seeking candidates who have a flair for solving tenancy problems from the landlord's perspective. You will be supporting landlords to resolve issues and where possible, agree on sustainable solutions for their tenancies.

You will be working closely with the Private Sector Lettings Scheme, the Outreach Support team and the Housing Options team to drive our prevention agenda.

A strong commitment to providing ongoing exceptional customer service is also an essential requirement of this role. 

You must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to work in a challenging and fast paced environment 

The postholder will:- 

• Support landlords to understand and comply with their legal responsibilities under housing legislation, with particular emphasis on the Renters' Rights Act.
• Assist landlords to resolve tenancy issues through practical, step-by-step advice, including referrals to relevant internal services such as Outreach, the ASB team, Housing Options and/or utilisation of the Homeless Prevention Fund to address issues to keep tenants in situ.
• Direct landlords to use relevant government templates for issuing rent increases, serving notices, etc. to remain compliant with the law.
• Develop awareness of the service among landlords with property in Bradford and encourage a better understanding of areas such as landlord/tenant law, housing standards, and new developments or initiatives which may affect the private rented sector.
• Negotiate with landlords and tenants to find solutions to their housing issues and problems.
• Identify opportunities for landlords to work with the PSLS team, helping to increase the supply of properties available to the Housing Options Service to discharge statutory duties.
• Develop training/Q&A sessions for landlords.
• Develop a regular newsletter for landlords to provide updates on legislation changes and general information about the PSLS scheme, incorporating information from the quarterly reports.
• Support with marketing/communications about the service via our social media platforms (Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.)

The successful candidate will have:-

• Demonstrable experience in a similar role/environment, preferably in the private rented sector or social housing, with knowledge of lettings and property management.
• Demonstrable experience of dealing with queries related to lettings and housing management or demonstrable transferable skills.
• Demonstrable experience of developing good relationships between landlords and tenants, advising both parties of their legal responsibilities under housing legislation, with particular emphasis on the Renters' Rights Act.
• Education qualification of at least NVQ Level 4 standard or relevant equivalent experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of landlord and tenant law.
• A good working knowledge of welfare benefits including Universal Credit.  
• Knowledge and understanding of the barriers affecting vulnerable people accessing accommodation through the private rented sector and of the support tenant and landlord need to overcome the challenges in securing and sustaining tenancies.         
• Knowledge of the housing sector/private housing market.
• This post will requires a DSB check.

How to Apply

For further information AFTER reading the Job Profile please contact Hal Ahmed at hal.ahmed@bradford.gov.uk

A disclosure check with the Disclosure and Barring Service will be sought for appointees to this post. 

Employee Offer

Why work for Bradford Council? Find out why by taking a look at Our Employee Offer.pdf 

Equal Opportunities 

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.