Meet Mehran, Area Housing Manager at L&Q

Mehran’s path into housing was unplanned, but it’s become a calling that continues to inspire and challenge him.

Like many in the sector, Mehran didn’t set out to work in housing. With a degree in Economics and a keen interest in finance, he started his career in banking, where something felt off.

“I was working as an intern at a leading bank in my last year of university. The hours were long, the culture was cut-throat, and all my colleagues seemed unhappy.

Eventually, I left and started working in telecoms. I got stuck in a job that I didn’t love for years and found myself feeling lost and deflated.”

It was an unexpected conversation with a former colleague which led to his career change.

That friend introduced him to property management, a field Mehran had never heard of, let alone considered.

“It wasn’t a role I’d come across. But with extended family living in social housing, I knew how vital this work is. As a graduate, I worked across different departments and got a good feel for the role.

It wasn’t long before I realised that this was a profession that really suited me”.

Mehran started in a graduate role and quickly impressed his colleagues. Within three months, he stepped into a fixed term Property Manager role, and six months later, it became permanent. His early success stemmed from one thing: showing up for his team, for residents, and for the community.

"Housing management is not just about managing tenancies. It’s about managing relationships. That comes from building trust, being transparent, and working with residents rather than for them.”

He was instrumental in setting up a Tenants’ and Residents’ Association (TRA) at Grand Union Place in Stepney.

Regular walkabouts and shared inspections turned residents into partners and built real pride in the community.

“It was a joint effort in the truest sense. The pride people felt in their homes grew because they saw their input mattered.” 

Within his team, Mehran is known for questioning outdated processes and pushing for smarter solutions. 

“When residents hear the same answers to recurring problems, it creates frustration. I try to think differently - what haven’t we tried yet?” 

Mehran has also been there for people in times of real distress. One resident, who was living with a terminal illness, had been experiencing persistent anti-social behaviour (ASB) near her home. 

“When I heard about it, I knew I had to act, even though she lived in a different area. The resident was dealing with so much already, and the ASB was making things even worse.” 

Mehran visited her the next day and quickly implemented practical steps to restore her sense of security. That included a dummy CCTV camera, arranging for a small fence to be placed outside her front door, and committing to regular check-ins until she felt safe again.

What she appreciated most wasn’t just the action; it was that someone finally listened. 

Managing a portfolio of over 4,000 homes is no small task. Mehran starts his day by checking in with his team to make sure they feel supported.

From reviewing casework and tracking performance to drafting responses to MP and Councillor queries, every day brings something new.  

“People don’t always see how much emotional intelligence this job requires. Whether it’s supporting your team, boosting morale, or balancing performance and care, it’s an essential skill.” 

That people-first approach extends beyond residents. When Mehran noticed high staff turnover in his region, he moved into a role focusing on how L&Q can better support and retain Neighbourhood Housing Leads.

“We need to recognise our Neighbourhood Housing Leads as the assets they truly are. When we invest in them, they’re better equipped to support residents. They develop expertise across so many areas, and their skills and experience are incredibly valuable.”

And when things get hands-on, Mehran is right there too. Whether it’s pushing a broken-down vehicle, wading through a flooded car park, or rescuing lost ducklings.

One day in the office, he received a call from a team member who’d heard an unusual sound whilst out on an inspection. After some investigation, they discovered a group of stray ducklings, far from any water and with no sign of their mother.

Just as they work to make homes safe for residents, the quick-thinking trio knew they had to do the same for these feathered friends.

Following instructions from a local wildlife sanctuary, the ducklings were kept safe in a temporary home - inside the management office - until they could be rehomed.

"It’s true what they say. In housing, you never know where your day may take you!”

In 2025, Mehran became the first Area Housing Manager at L&Q to complete the government-backed Level 4 Senior Housing & Property Management Apprenticeship, which includes a CIH qualification.

“I came out of it a completely different professional. The training gave me the theory behind what I was already doing in practice. It helped me advise colleagues more confidently and stay up to date with new regulations. It’s been a huge boost to my knowledge and confidence.”

Despite the pressures of the job, Mehran finds energy and meaning in the work.

“When it gets tough, I reflect on what went well, give myself a pat on the back, and focus on what’s next. This sector is evolving, and I’ve still got so much energy for what ‘s to come.”

As it turns out, housing might just run in the family, with Mehran’s brother now working at L&Q as a Housing Assistant.

“My parents are proud. I think they always knew I had what it takes to work hard and achieve success. They’re glad I’ve found what I was supposed to do.”

Mehran is proof that social landlords can change lives. For anyone looking for a rewarding career, social housing might just be the best decision you never expected to make.