Private Rented Sector Officer - Braintree District Council
Braintree District Council
Temporary, Full Time
£33.00 - £35.00 ph (umbrella)
Location: Braintree
Closing Date: 4th September 2026
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Braintree District Council to recruit a Private Rented Sector Officer on an initial 3-month temporary basis. Please note that you will be required to work in the Council offices 1-2 days per week and this role is also available on 4 or 5 days a week basis.
The Role:
The Private Rented Sector (PRS) Officer plays a key role in preventing and relieving homelessness by securing suitable private rented accommodation for households referred by Housing Officers. The post holder will proactively identify available properties within the Private Rented Sector, develop and maintain positive relationships with landlords and letting agents, and support residents throughout the process of securing and moving into accommodation.
Working closely with the PRS Tenancy Sustainment Officer, the PRS Officer will ensure households are successfully placed into sustainable accommodation and receive the support needed to achieve positive tenancy outcomes. The role contributes directly to the service objective of accommodating at least one household into the Private Rented Sector each week.
Key Responsibilities:
Property Procurement and Landlord Engagement
- Identify and secure suitable private rented accommodation for households referred through Housing Services
- Promote the benefits of working with the Council's Private Rented Sector Scheme
- Negotiate tenancy terms and arrangements with landlords and agents to maximise housing opportunities for residents
- Maintain an up-to-date database of available properties and landlord contacts
Resident Support and Case Management
- Manage a caseload of households seeking accommodation through the PRS Scheme
- Assess household needs and match applicants to suitable available properties
- Facilitate and coordinate property viewings
- Provide advice and guidance to residents on the private renting process, tenancy responsibilities and housing options
- Maintain regular communication with applicants throughout their housing journey to ensure a smooth and positive customer experience
- Support residents with move-in arrangements and ensure all necessary documentation and processes are completed
Partnership Working
- Work collaboratively with Housing Officers, Homelessness Prevention Officers, and the PRS Tenancy Sustainment Officer to achieve successful placements
- Liaise with internal departments and external agencies to resolve issues that may impact tenancy commencement or sustainability
- Attend meetings with landlords, residents and partner organisations as required
Performance and Compliance
- Contribute towards achieving the Private Rented Sector Scheme KPI of placing a minimum of one household into private rented accommodation per week
- Maintain accurate case records and management information in accordance with service procedures and data protection requirements
- Monitor property placements and tenancy outcomes
- Ensure all activities comply with relevant housing legislation, policies and procedures
The Experience You Will Bring:
Essential Knowledge and Experience
- Experience of working in housing, homelessness prevention, tenancy management, lettings, estate agency or a related field
- Experience of building effective relationships with landlords, agents, customers and partner organisations
- Experience of managing caseloads and working to performance targets.Knowledge of the Private Rented Sector and housing options available to residents
- Understanding of housing legislation, homelessness duties and tenancy management principlesExcellent communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to build rapport
- and maintain effective professional relationships
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure
- Customer-focused approach with strong problem-solving abilities
- Ability to maintain accurate records and produce reports
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and housing management systems
Braintree District Council is a great place to work. We pride ourselves on our creative, innovative and forward-thinking approach which is led by our staff. We are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it.
Please Note–Essex County Council is advertising this role on behalf of Braintree District Council and if successful you will be employed by Braintree District Council.
What should you do next? If you are interested in this post, then please click apply.
If you have any queries regarding submitting an application or require anything further, please email louise.butler@essex.gov.uk