Lara Wright

Housing Standards Surveyor @Canterbury City Council

Canterbury, GB

Responsible for improving housing standards and ensuring compliance within the private rented sector. Duties include investigating complaints and reports of poor housing conditions, disrepair, or unlawful practices; conducting inspections under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS); and taking appropriate enforcement action in line with housing legislation and council policies.Key responsibilities:Carry out inspections of private rented properties to assess compliance with statutory housing standards.Investigate complaints relating to disrepair, overcrowding, unlawful evictions, and poor property management.Advise landlords, tenants, and letting agents on housing legislation, property standards, and best practice.Prepare and serve statutory notices, improvement orders, and prohibition notices where necessary.Work with landlords to improve property conditions through negotiation, education, and enforcement.Liaise with external agencies, legal teams, and other council departments to resolve complex housing issues.Maintain accurate case records, prepare reports, and provide evidence for legal proceedings where required.Contribute to wider private sector housing initiatives, including licensing schemes and landlord engagement.Skills and attributes:Strong knowledge of housing legislation, including Housing Act 2004 and related regulations.Experience of carrying out property inspections and risk assessments.Excellent communication and negotiation skills with a wide range of stakeholders.Ability to balance enforcement with partnership working to achieve effective outcomes.Strong organisational and case management skills.

Bromley College of Further & Higher Education

Business Administration