PRS Lettings Negotiator

2-3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• The London Borough of Lambeth is seeking an experienced PRS Lettings Negotiator (SO2) to join the Housing Needs Service on a temporary agency basis.

• The role focuses on securing a supply of affordable private rented accommodation through individual negotiations with landlords, supporting homelessness prevention, relief and move-on cases.

• The postholder will work closely with internal housing teams, landlords and prospective tenants to ensure suitable properties are procured, inspected and let efficiently, while providing practical support to tenants at the start of their tenancy.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• Secure private rented accommodation through direct negotiation with landlords at affordable rent levels.

• Operate a proactive property-finding service, generating leads through landlords, websites, publications and cold calling.

• Negotiate rents and authorise payments using homelessness prevention funding to secure properties.

• Inspect properties, complete inspection reports, identify disrepair and health & safety hazards, and assess suitability.

• Provide landlords with advice on responsibilities, standards and available council support and incentives.

• Match suitable properties to households in housing need, including homelessness prevention, relief and move-on cases.

• Carry out accompanied viewings and provide expert advice to landlords and prospective tenants.

• Support tenants with tenancy start-up, including advice on Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and direct rent payments.

• Liaise with Housing Advisors and internal colleagues to assess tenant suitability and housing history.

• Maintain accurate records and caseloads using council IT systems.

• Attend landlord and tenant forums, promotional events and contribute to marketing of the Private Renting Scheme.

• Respond to member enquiries, complaints and correspondence in line with council procedures.

• Ensure compliance with council financial regulations, homelessness legislation and fraud prevention measures.

Skills/Experience:

• Knowledge of housing legislation, homelessness prevention, housing advice and good practice.

• Practical understanding of property standards, health & safety regulations and private rented sector requirements.

• Experience of negotiation and telephone-based sales or procurement.

• Experience working in a high-pressure, target-driven housing or customer-facing environment.

• Strong customer service skills with experience handling enquiries and complaints.

• Ability to assess housing need, affordability and tenancy sustainability.

• Experience of property inspections and identifying disrepair or compliance issues.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing.

• Competent use of IT systems to manage caseloads, monitor performance and record data.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams.

Additional Information:

• Start date: ASAP / 5 January 2026.

• End date: 31 March 2026.

• Working hours: 35 hours per week (9:00am – 5:00pm).

• Location: Lambeth Civic Centre.