Frequently asked questions

Q : Who is L&Q?
A : L&Q is a Registered Social Landlord, otherwise known as a housing association. We manage over 43000 homes in London and the South East. We were inspected by the Audit Commission in March 2006 and rated as a good 2 star service with excellent prospects for improvements.

Q : What are the advantages of transferring to L&Q?
A : We are setting up a five year improvements programme worth over £50 million. This means that residents will see improvements to their homes that match and exceed the Government’s Decent Homes Standard. These works include an upgrade of kitchens, bathrooms, double glazing, security and environmental improvements.

The types of work can be seen in our show homes at 134 Mayeswood Road and 40 Corona Road.

Q : Will my rent go up?
A : Government rules say that by 2012, your rent will be the same for a similar property in a similar area, regardless of whether you are with the council or a Registered Social Landlord such as L&Q. Tenants in Grove Park will be paying the same rent whether they choose L&Q as their future landlord or they remain with the council.

Q : I’ve heard that L&Q are only in it for profit
A : Housing associations are run as not-for-profit businesses. Any surplus they make is ploughed back into the organisation to maintain existing homes and to help finance the building of new ones.

Q : Will my housing benefit be affected?
A : No. If the transfer goes ahead, your Housing Benefit will not be affected.

Q : Will I lose any of my key rights?
A : No

Residents will KEEP:

Presevered Right to Buy

Right to pass on your home (succession)

Right to be consulted

Right to repair

Right to assign your tenancy (eg mutual exchange)

Right to sub-let (with our permission)

Right to carry out improvements (with our permission)

Right to information

Residents GAIN:

The right not to have your tenancy agreement changed without your written consent.

If you succeed to your home, you gain an automatic right to pass it on when you die to someone who qualifies.

Q : When will the ballot happen?
A : The ballot will take place in May 2007. Before this happens all tenants will receive an Offer Document from Lewisham Council which will set out the benefits of transferring to L&Q. This will include improvement works that will be made to your home and environment, and your rights after transfer.

Q : When will L&Q take over?
A : If there is a positive ballot, this will be followed by a process of legal negotiations between the council and L&Q which usually takes between four to six months. This means the actual transfer will take place towards the end of 2007.

Q : How soon will I get the improvement works done to my home?
A : L&Q have carried out surveys to 35% of the properties in Grove Park to assess what work is required under the Decent Homes programme. Decent Homes works could include new kitchens, bathrooms or double glazing. L&Q is working with the residents to come up with a proposed programme of works and it is likely that properties in the worst condition will be targeted first.

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