Housing officer - overview

What does a housing officer do?

As a housing officer, you’ll manage an allocated area where you’ll be responsible for things like carrying out inspections, managing rents and dealing with issues. It’s a very people-focused role, so you’ll be confident building relationships with colleagues and other agencies like social services. You’ll communicate with tenants and feel comfortable tackling issues like homelessness and anti-social behaviour.

You’ll enjoy following procedures and keeping records to ensure applications for things like housing and breaches in tenancy agreements are handled fairly. The role carries a lot of responsibility and you’ll need an enhanced criminal record disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

What will your days involve?

Daily tasks will vary but could involve:

• Managing the maintenance of rented properties belonging to housing associations and local authorities
• Liaising with renters
• Listening and offering advice to tenants
• Resolving any issues tenants may be facing
• Dealing with rent arrears and developing policies to minimise late payments
• Conducting inspections of properties when needed
• Dealing with breaches to tenancy agreements, attending court hearings
• Processing housing applications
• Contacting housing associations and local authorities, estate agents and social workers
• Keeping records and writing reports

FAQs

How much can you earn as a housing officer?

The average salary for a housing officer in the UK is £26,000.

Does a housing officer role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

As a housing officer, you’ll usually need to travel to an office and to clients' homes within the local area. Travelling overseas for work is rare and usually limited to private sector organisations.

Can you work from home as a housing officer?

Housing officers rarely work from home as the role is all about building relationships and supporting tenants, often face to face.