Landlord Relationship Officer

The role is responsible for building relationships with landlords and lettings agents in order to secure alternative housing options for people owed a statutory duty under homelessness legislation. The officer will also be expected to confidently make suitable offers of accommodation and discharge the Council’s housing duties within the meaning of The Housing Act 1996.

Duties and responsibilities will include:

• To provide efficient, effective and responsive tenancy management services for accommodation secured by the Council and used as accommodation for homeless families
• To provide a single point of contact for private sector landlords including advice on tenancy agreements, tenant/landlord mediation, Notice to Quits, possession proceedings.
• To ensure that all records and monitoring arrangements are kept accurately and up to date.
• To liaise with and signpost applicants for help and support as necessary.
• To facilitate with the Landlords Forum
• To work with our private sector housing colleagues to ensure properties are safe, free from hazards and licenced where necessary.
• Assist in the running of an effective and efficient service within the framework of the appropriate legislation and provide all necessary guidance, advice and assistance to the public.
• To promote good practice to landlord and lettings agents
• To write clear and legally robust offer letters and discharge of duty letters within The Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
• Seek out new landlords and accommodation sources for households to meet duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
• Complete affordability assessments and offer financial advice where appropriate
• To carry out any other duties which are appropriate to the post.
• To promote the private sector schemes to landlords and to actively encourage them to work with Dartford Borough Council