A small London landlord currently being investigated by the English regulator is set to be taken on by giant provider Hyde Group.
Hyde chief executive Andy Hulme said there were there are “lots of obvious benefits from working together” (picture: Hyde)
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A small London landlord currently being investigated by the English regulator is set to be taken on by giant provider Hyde Group #UKhousing
Stratford-based Arhag Housing Association, which has nearly 1,000 homes, is consulting with its residents about the plans.
Once the six-week consultation finishes, it is expected Arhag will join G15 landlord Hyde as a subsidiary through a transfer of engagements, the groups said today.
However, Arhag said “no final decisions” have yet been made.
Hyde already owns and manages around 120,000 homes. It grew significantly in 2024 after acquiring property management firm Pinnacle Group.
A joint statement on the plans announced today said: “Like many housing associations, the financial pressures of recent years mean Arhag needs the support of a strong partner in Hyde to continue delivering safe, decent homes and good quality services for its customers.”
Arhag – which stands for African Refugee Housing Action Group – was founded in 1979 as a campaigning organisation for the better treatment of migrants and refugees.
Last month, it was placed on the Regulator of Social Housing’s ‘grading under review’ list over possible “serious failings”.
In its last full-year update, the landlord posted a reduced surplus year-on-year of £370,000 on turnover of £8.1m, as its costs rose.
Anne McLoughlin, Arhag’s interim chief executive, said: “This proposal provides Arhag with stability and the opportunity to continue delivering our shared vision of a great home for everyone.”
She added: “We want to hear from our residents about the proposals and no final decisions have been made.”
Andy Hulme, Hyde’s chief executive, said: “We think by welcoming Arhag and its customers into the group, we can improve homes and services, and offer a strong local presence in neighbourhoods.
“With many of the homes being in areas we already serve, there are lots of obvious benefits from working together.”
Hyde stressed that its current residents will see no impact on services or extra costs if the plans go ahead.
Last April Hyde took on another smaller London landlord, Tower Hamlets Community Housing, which was non-compliant with the regulator’s standards at the time of the transfer.
Hyde reported a near-tripling of it surplus in its last full-year after a boost in turnover from acquiring Pinnacle.
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