About The Service
Rent Smart Wales regulates the private rented sector in Wales. The service was established in November 2015 following the implementation of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014. The Act places a legal duty on landlords of private rented properties to register and places a duty on landlords and letting agents conducting letting or property management activities to be licensed. Rent Smart Wales offers advice on these requirements; offers training to landlords and letting agents; processes licence applications; and ensures licensees are adhering to licence conditions. Not complying with the requirements of the Act is a criminal offence and Rent Smart Wales takes enforcement action for non-compliance where required. The service benefits from web-based systems, contact centre telephone technology, and partnership arrangements with the 22 authorities across Wales.
About the job
This role is critical to the success of Rent Smart Wales and is a unique opportunity for you to be at the forefront of driving up standards in the private rented sector, within a highly motivated and professional team. The role is to ensure compliance with the legislation by landlords and agents through providing advice and promoting compliance; investigating complaints and regulatory concerns based on greatest risk; and the efficient and effective use of enforcement tools in accordance with established procedures. Our enforcement powers include issuance of legal notices; prosecution; and Rent Stopping / Repayment Orders. We are able to refuse licence applications from those who are not deemed to be a ‘fit an proper’ person to hold a licence; impose bespoke licence conditions; and revoke licences where conditions are breached. You will be required to give evidence in court and/or the Residential Property Tribunal.
The role involves close working with the 22 Local Authorities across Wales and other internal and external agencies.
Successful candidates may be appointed either to:
• the Enforcement Team who are responsible for investigating landlords who do not register, and landlords and letting agents who carry out property management work without a licence; or
• the Compliance & Regulation Team who are responsible for approving or refusing licence applications, investigating breaches of conditions, revoking licences, and responding to appeals to the Residential Property Tribunal.
What We Are Looking For From You
We are looking for enthusiastic & professional individuals. Successful candidates will:
• be committed to driving up standards in the private rented housing sector
• be appropriately qualified, and experienced in local authority licensing/enforcement
• manage a demanding workload and meeting tight deadlines under pressure
• pay attention to detail; consistently produce work to high standards; and maintain comprehensive case records
• deal calmly with difficult individuals / topics
• have enquiring and investigative mindset
• understand investigative procedures and techniques and ideally litigation
• the ability to work closely and cooperatively with a range of external organisations
• take responsibility and ownership for excellence and delivering the best outcomes
• embrace change positively and new opportunities, and be flexible and adaptable
Additional information
Whilst the roles are office based (with potential for home working), travel across Wales may be required. Holding a full valid driving licence is therefore an essential requirement of the posts.
Work outside normal office hours may be a requirement of the post.
This vacancy is suitable for post share. The Council’s Flexi Time Policy applies to the post, subject to business needs and having regard to existing team working patterns.
We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.
Due to the current interim working arrangements, we are unable to provide recruitment packs or accept application forms via the post.
Please note the Council does not accept CV’s. When completing the supporting information section of your application, please ensure you refer to the below located on our website: Important information you need to read in order to complete your application:-
• Application Guidance
• Applying for jobs with us
• Behavioural Competency Framework
• Additional Information
• Employee Charter
• Recruitment of Ex-Offenders
• Privacy Notice
When completing the application form, it is essential that you complete the Supporting Information section demonstrating how you meet all the essential criteria contained with the person specification. Failure to do will result in your application not being shortlisted.
If you have any questions please contact thomas.shaw@cardiff.gov.uk.
Attachments