what is a housing officer?

As a housing officer, you take care of tenants on behalf of housing societies or local authorities. Housing societies usually have properties in the suburbs that don't have separate owners since they are built to shelter underprivileged and homeless citizens. Your tenants will vary from infants to older people facing various struggles.

As a people-facing role, the position requires sympathy and empathy towards people's struggles. Most times, you encounter people with mental trauma and victims of domestic abuse. Your job is to advise people on their finances and help them find affordable rental units to solve their housing needs. It is also crucial to encourage the tenants to join tenancy support groups in the community.

what does a housing officer do?

Apart from meeting tenants, as a housing officer, you also look after properties by completing maintenance and repairs. You are the first point of contact in case of clogged drains, plumbing leaks and electrical faults. You also carry out regular inspections to check for damages. For instance, you have to record the condition of furniture and walls in every building when the tenants are leaving. In case of damages, you evaluate the cause and ensure the tenant pays for it before leaving.

You also represent the interests of the housing societies and local authorities. Hence, you have to compile statistics and make presentations to the council. It is also critical to understand the latest legislation and house placement requirements.

Would working as a housing officer suit your people skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a housing officer role.
 

housing officer jobs
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average salary of a housing officer

According to National Careers, a housing officer starting out receives a salary of £21,000 per year. When you enhance your skills and experience, your earnings can increase to £35,000 annually. As a housing officer, you work unsocial hours, and your compensation package includes overtime pay. You also receive other benefits, including health insurance, company vehicle or transport allowance. Apart from monetary compensation, some employers have benefits packages with paid holiday days and part-time remote work that contribute to your work/life balance.

what factors affect the salary of a housing officer?

As a housing officer, the type of employer and your experience determine where your earnings fall in the salary range. If you have worked in the field for a few years, your transferrable skills will increase your take-home pay. However, housing officers joining the field earn less as they learn the ropes of the profession. Academic qualifications can also influence your salary and affect your promotion. It is crucial to improve your educational qualifications with short courses and relevant training to keep your salary on an upward trajectory. The public sector often pays less compared to working for private or non-governmental organisations' housing societies. Some locations also have favourable salaries due to the high cost of living and demand for housing officers in the area. Working in major cities guarantees higher wages.
 

Female smiling, standing outside on a balcony talking to a person
Female smiling, standing outside on a balcony talking to a person
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types of housing officers

As a housing officer, you can work for a housing association, local authority or charity organisation providing shelter to the homeless. Some universities and property companies also rely on housing officers to manage their houses. Types of housing officers include:

  • housing options officer: you help the less fortunate avoid homelessness by exploring their housing options. You discuss their finances and explain the available low-budget accommodations.
  • supported housing worker: your job is to assist tenants to live independently and lead happy lives. You will work in supported housing provided by councils or charities to physically challenged people or victims of abuse.
  • resident involvement officer: you interact with tenants and organise community activities for tenants to improve their well being.
     
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working as a housing officer

Your focus as a housing officer isn't just taking care of the properties. In social housing jobs, you also make a positive difference in people's lives and help them start the journey to financial freedom by giving them a decent environment and home.
 

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education and skills

To become a housing officer, you need an undergraduate or foundation degree in social policy, building survey and housing studies. Undergraduates with business, planning or economics degrees can join the role through graduate trainee schemes to acquire additional skills. You may also need to complete a Level 4 Certificate course for the housing profession provided by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH). If you don't qualify for a university degree, join a college and pursue higher national diploma courses in estate management, urban studies, housing or public administration.

skills and competencies

As a housing officer, you need the following skills to succeed:

  • active listening: you need to give the right impression to applicants and tenants. It is important to show them that you are attentive and understand what they are saying. Active listening creates a rapport with tenants and helps you solve problems faster.
  • conflict management: when conflicts arise between tenants, you need to handle the issues and restore peace tactfully. Issues often arise in houses with shared common areas, and you have to calm the situations and deal with conflicts without bias.
  • empathy: as a housing officer, you have to empathise with your tenants' problems. When you connect with your tenants emotionally, you can find practical solutions to their problems.
  • assertiveness: you need to be assertive when confronting tenants and dealing with issues in the community. Assertiveness helps you put yourself across without making people uncomfortable.
     
two colleagues walking and having conversation outdoor
two colleagues walking and having conversation outdoor
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FAQs

A housing officer takes care of tenants and properties on behalf of housing societies or local authorities. The job involves inspecting houses and reviewing tenant applications. 
 

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