Quick Facts

• L&Q is one of the UK's largest housing associations.
• The Chief Executive is David Montague.
• L&Q works with more than 90 local authorities in London and the South East.
• L&Q manages over 67,000 homes.
• It opened in 1963 and it's first office was in St Mary Magdalane Church in Woolwich.
• It's head office is based at Osborn House, Osborn Terrace, London SE3 9DR.
• Our operation area is divided into seven separate 'neighbourhoods'. They are: North, North-East, Thames, South-East, South, South-West and West.
• L&Q works with 70 specialist agencies in the supported housing sector.
• L&Q employs more than 1,200 staff in 18 locations and offices.

Background

What are housing associations?

Housing associations are not-for-profit organisations run by paid staff, and controlled by voluntary committees of management. L&Q is an exempt charity.

Most associations provide affordable rented accommodation and work closely with local authorities. Some concentrate on low-cost home ownership schemes.

How are homes allocated?

Associations vary in the way they allocate homes, but all are required to accept some nominations from local authority housing lists.

Associations either:

• accept people nominated by local authorities for accommodation;
• deal directly with applicants;
• or make use of referral agencies like Shelter.