Dover District Council has an exciting agenda to deliver first class public services, putting our residents at the heart of everything we do. From building new, affordable homes to exciting regeneration schemes. A career with Dover District Council offers you the opportunity to excel.

As an employer, Dover District Council is proud to provide a supportive, friendly, diverse and flexible working environment in which our employees can thrive. We have a team of enthusiastic employees, delivering services they are passionate about.

We are currently expanding our Private Sector Housing Team, offering an exciting opportunity for two committed professionals to help shape the future of housing regulation across the district. You will okay a key role in driving up housing standards, protect tenants and deliver proportionate, effective enforcement, including supporting the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

This is an opportunity to join a supportive and motivated team during a period of significant change in the private rented sector, where your work will make a meaningful difference to housing standards and residents’ lives.

The Role & Responsibilities

Reporting to the Environmental Health Officer you will support the delivery of a wide range of private sector housing functions. The role involves investigating complaints of poor housing conditions, providing advice to landlords and tenants, and taking proportionate enforcement action where necessary.

Key responsibilities include:

Investigating disrepair and poor housing conditions in the private rented sector
Assessing housing conditions and supporting enforcement action where standards are not met
Preparing evidence and assisting with statutory notices, tribunals, court proceedings, and PACE interviews
Supporting inspections and licensing of HMOs and caravan sites
Investigating unlawful eviction and harassment cases
Arranging works in default and liaising with contractors
Providing housing advice to tenants and landlords
Supporting empty homes initiatives and the administration of housing grants and loans
Representing the service at internal and external meetings

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a motivated and practical individual with experience or background in housing, construction, or a related field, who is keen to develop their skills within a regulatory housing role.

You will have:

Knowledge of housing issues locally and nationally
An understanding of housing legislation, private sector housing services, and building construction (Desirable)
The ability to work confidently with tenants, landlords, and partners, including in challenging situations
Good organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise work and meet deadline

Experience & Qualifications

Minimum of two years’ experience in a housing, construction, or building‑related field (Desirable)
Qualified to A‑level standard or equivalent
Building, construction, or technical qualification (Desirable)

What We Can Offer

We provide a friendly and supportive working environment where you can excel, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including:

Benenden Healthcare Membership and Employee Assistance Programme
Opt‑in Local Government Pension Scheme, with the opportunity to make Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)
Generous annual leave provision
Discount scheme, including reduced membership rates at the local leisure centre
On‑site parking
Cycle2Work scheme
Generous Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme
Payment of professional membership fees

Due to the nature of this role, the successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check as part of their pre-employment clearances.

Due to the nature of the role, you will have the ability to work flexibly and will require a current full driving license effective in the UK and use of a motor vehicle for business use.

What Next?

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Tim Lovell, Private Sector Housing Manager, at Tim.Lovell@dover.gov.uk.

Interviews: Week commencing 18th May 2026

Housing Improvement Officer (Private Sector Housing)

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