You may remember that we wrote to you late last year about our proposal to simplify the Prima Group structure by moving to a single housing association - instead of operating with both Leasowe Community Homes and Pierhead Housing Association.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views on the proposal. The Board looked at your comments and considered the implications of bringing the two housing associations together. They decided that moving to a single housing association was the preferred option.

Over the last few weeks, we have been working to make the changes needed to bring the housing associations together.

For LCH Residents

With effect from 31st March 2022, Pierhead Housing Association Limited became your landlord following a transfer of engagements to it from Leasowe Community Homes Limited on that date. On 1st April 2022, Pierhead Housing Association Limited changed its name to Prima Housing Group Limited. This means that Leasowe Community Homes and Pierhead Housing Association are now operating as a single housing association, called Prima Housing Group.

For PHA Residents

On 1st April 2022, Pierhead Housing Association Limited changed its name to Prima Housing Group Limited. This means that your landlord is now called Prima Housing Group, instead of Pierhead Housing Association.

This change does not have any effect on your tenancy or lease and your legal rights and the terms of your tenancy or lease remain unchanged. There are no changes to the staff who manage your home as a result of the changes and all our contact details remain the same – the only noticeable change is that your landlord is now called Prima Housing Group.

For the purpose of section 48 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987, the address for the service of notices (including notices in connection with legal proceedings) of Prima Housing Group Limited (formerly Pierhead Housing Association Limited) is 8 Columbus Quay, Liverpool L3 4DB.

Your Questions Answered

Will my landlord/freeholder change?

Yes, if you are a tenant or leaseholder of Leasowe Community Homes Limited, Prima Housing Group has become your new landlord/freeholder.

If you are a tenant or leaseholder of Pierhead, the name of your landlord is now Prima Housing Group.

The conditions of your tenancy or lease have not changed. You have the same rights and protection as you had previously.

In summary:

If you are an LCH resident, Prima Housing Group is your new landlord.
If you are a PHA resident, the name of your landlord has changed to Prima Housing Group.

Will I need a new tenancy agreement or lease?

No, there will be no need for existing tenants or leaseholders to sign a new agreement or lease. As explained above, all the conditions have transferred over and there is no need to sign a new document.

We will introduce a new tenancy agreement for all new tenants.

Will Leasowe Community Homes and Pierhead Housing Association keep their names?

No, there is now one landlord called Prima Housing Group.

What is a Transfer of Engagements?

A transfer of engagements (or “TOE”) is a form of merger. One association transfers all of its assets and liabilities into another association. It is an effective and relatively straightforward way of merging two organisations.

Will my rent or service charge be affected?

No. The Group consolidation will not affect your rent or service charge. We will continue to review charges every year, as we do at the moment, in line with your current tenancy agreement or lease.

Will there be a change to how I pay?

No. Payment methods will stay the same. If you pay by Direct Debit we expect to be able to transfer those arrangements over.

What about the Right to Buy Scheme?

If you already have the right to buy, or the right to acquire, you will not lose the right. You will continue to be able to exercise your right in the same way as before.

Will my repairs, grounds maintenance or cleaning contractors change?

There are no plans to make changes to any of our contractors as a result of this consolidation.

As contracts come up for renewal though, we will review what’s best for all residents in consultation with you.

Will I have the same contacts?

Yes. Services will continue to be delivered in the same way by the same people and there are no plans to change this. All of our telephone numbers will stay the same, and you will have the same access to our online services.

Will the way I contact you change?

No. You will continue to get in touch with us as you do at the moment, by phone, using the Prima Customer App or via the website. However, we will use the new landlord name, ‘Prima Housing Group’, rather than Leasowe Community Homes or Pierhead Housing Association.

Will your offices be affected?

No. There are no plans to change offices.

What are the benefits of the consolidation?

In the longer term, we believe the group consolidation will allow us to generate more economies to help achieve our aims of better services, investing in the community and building more homes.

The proposal will make us more financially resilient to major challenges or external events.

Welcome to Prima Housing Group