Requirements

Housing officer - requirements

As a housing officer, you’ll look after rented properties for housing associations, local authorities, charities or private sector firms, supporting tenants with their housing needs. Learn more about a career in housing, find out what it involves and what you’ll need to study and do to get a role.

Know what you'll need to land a job below.

What qualifications do you need to be a housing officer?

A degree in any subject will help but one in social science or social studies will prove most useful. Subjects to consider include:

Please note this is a beta version. We'll continue to improve our suggestions here so that we show you the most relevant subjects.

Do you need a postgraduate qualification to be a housing officer?

Although it’s not essential to do a postgraduate course, it can help develop your skills and increase your career opportunities.

Examples of taught MAs and MScs at postgraduate level include:

Counselling
Health and social care
Housing studies
Housing and urbanism
Human society
Mental health, wellbeing, and resilience
Social and public policy
Social and political science

What skills do you need to be a housing officer?

As well as specialised knowledge in housing issues, you’ll need to be an advocate for vulnerable people and understand the value of great customer care.

Hard skills usually include:

Facility and property management
Knowledge of anti-social behaviour
Legislation
Mental health
Risk analysis
Service delivery
Social work
Supportive housing

Soft skills include:

Advocacy
Communications
Customer service
Enthusiasm
Planning
Problem-solving
Self-motivation

Do you need work experience to be a housing officer?

Some employers ask for previous experience in a housing environment or a similar customer service area for entry-level jobs. You could gain work experience by volunteering with your local housing association or local authority, or you could look for opportunities in a customer services role.