Tower Hamlets Community Housing Ltd Guide 2026

In the heart of one of London’s most vibrant yet challenging boroughs, thousands of families face daily struggles with skyrocketing rents, overcrowding, and limited access to secure, affordable housing. Tower Hamlets stands out as England’s most densely populated borough, with rapid population growth, high demand for social housing, and persistent issues like homelessness and poor housing conditions. For residents searching for reliable information on Tower Hamlets Community Housing Ltd (THCH), this guide offers clarity and practical support. Now operating as THCH Powered by Hyde following its landmark integration with the Hyde Group in April 2025, THCH remains deeply rooted in the local community while gaining enhanced resources to deliver safer, better-maintained homes.

Whether you’re a current tenant worried about repairs, a prospective resident exploring affordable options, a leaseholder navigating service charges, or a community member interested in local regeneration, this in-depth resource draws from official updates, council strategies, and resident-focused insights to help you navigate your housing journey effectively.

Table of Contents

Who Is Tower Hamlets Community Housing Ltd (THCH)? History and Background

Tower Hamlets Community Housing Ltd, commonly known as THCH, has long served as a vital provider of social and affordable housing exclusively within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Established in the early 2000s through stock transfers from local authority estates, THCH was created to give residents greater control over their homes, foster community regeneration, and ensure safe, affordable living in an area marked by economic diversity and cultural richness.

From its inception, THCH focused on managing homes on estates across the borough, emphasizing resident involvement, neighborhood improvements, and addressing the unique needs of Tower Hamlets’ multicultural population. Over the years, it grew to manage around 3,200–3,500 homes, primarily social rented properties, with a strong commitment to building places people are proud to call home.

Origins and Establishment (2000 onwards)

THCH emerged as a registered provider (formerly registered social landlord) during a wave of housing stock transfers aimed at improving management and investment in council estates. This model allowed for more agile decision-making, direct resident input, and targeted regeneration efforts in areas like Stepney, Whitechapel, and Poplar.

The organization prioritized community connections, often partnering with local groups for events, youth programs, and support services. However, like many smaller providers, it faced challenges including financial pressures and the need for greater scale to meet rising demands for building safety, energy efficiency, and repairs.

The 2025 Partnership with Hyde Group – What It Means Today

A pivotal chapter began in April 2025 when THCH officially joined the Hyde Group as a subsidiary, rebranding as THCH Powered by Hyde. This merger, legally completed on 1 April 2025, followed extensive consultations with tenants, staff, and partners. Hyde, a major housing association managing over 120,000 homes across London and the South East, brought financial strength, expertise, and investment capacity.

Key benefits include:

A new dedicated in-house repairs service launched from September 2025, promising faster response times and greater transparency.
Over £60 million committed to improving homes, shared spaces, and building safety in Tower Hamlets over the next five years.
No immediate changes to tenancy terms, rent structures (beyond standard annual adjustments), or day-to-day services for existing residents.
Enhanced stability and growth, addressing previous regulatory concerns and enabling THCH to focus on local priorities while accessing Hyde’s resources.

As Andy Hulme, Hyde’s Group Chief Executive, noted in official statements, the partnership represents “stability, growth, and new opportunities” while keeping THCH “local at heart.” Integration milestones, such as system unification and service enhancements, continue into 2026, with resident feedback guiding improvements.

Current Scale and Focus

Today, THCH Powered by Hyde manages approximately 3,500 homes, all located within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. This focused, borough-exclusive approach ensures deep local knowledge and strong community ties, even as the organization benefits from Hyde’s broader expertise and financial backing.

The emphasis is on delivering safe, decent, and energy-efficient homes while supporting vibrant neighborhoods. This aligns closely with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets’ ambitious Housing Strategy 2025-2035, launched in late 2025, which promotes the vision of “More Homes, Better Homes, Safer Homes.” The strategy tackles the borough’s severe challenges—including high rates of overcrowding (one of the highest in London), homelessness pressures, and affordability issues—through priorities like increasing social rented stock, improving existing council and housing association homes, and enhancing safety standards post-Grenfell.

THCH’s role fits neatly into this framework, contributing to regeneration efforts in areas with high deprivation and diverse populations.

Types of Housing and Tenancy Options Available Through THCH

THCH offers a range of housing solutions tailored to different needs, from traditional social renting to pathways into homeownership. All properties are located in Tower Hamlets, giving residents proximity to local jobs, schools, transport links (including Crossrail/Elizabeth Line stations), and cultural hubs.

Social Rent and Affordable Rent Homes

The majority of THCH homes fall under social rent or affordable rent tenancies. These are let at below-market rates to households in greatest need.

Eligibility: Priority is given through Tower Hamlets Council’s housing register. Applicants are banded based on factors like medical needs, overcrowding, homelessness risk, or local connection.
Application Process: Join the council’s Choice-Based Lettings system (often called “Tower Hamlets Homes” or similar bidding platforms). Successful bidders are offered properties when they become available.
Tenancy Types: Most are secure or assured tenancies, providing strong long-term security under UK housing law.

These options are crucial in a borough where private rents average well above £2,000 for a two-bedroom flat, making social housing a lifeline for many families.

Leasehold and Shared Ownership Properties

For those looking to transition toward ownership, THCH provides leasehold flats and houses, plus shared ownership schemes.

Leasehold Rights: Leaseholders own their home for a fixed term (usually 99–125 years) but pay ground rent and service charges. Responsibilities include internal repairs, while THCH handles the building structure, roof, communal areas, and major works.
Shared Ownership: Buy a share (typically 25–75%) and pay subsidised rent on the remainder. Staircasing allows increasing ownership over time.
Service Charges: These cover maintenance, insurance, and sinking funds for future major works. Post-merger, Hyde’s expertise has improved transparency and consultation on major works programs.

Supported and Specialist Housing

THCH offers tailored accommodation for vulnerable residents, including older people, those with disabilities, or support needs. These may include extra-care schemes or properties with on-site support workers, ensuring independence with security.

New Developments and Future Pipeline

Thanks to the Hyde partnership, THCH benefits from increased development capacity. While specific new-build pipelines are borough-wide (via council and partner schemes), the £62 million investment commitment over five years supports improvements to existing stock and potential contributions to new affordable units.

This helps address the borough’s target of delivering thousands more homes under the 2025-2035 strategy, with a strong push for social rent.

Essential Services for THCH Tenants and Residents

Accessing reliable services is a top concern for residents. Since the September 2025 integration milestones, THCH has rolled out significant enhancements.

Paying Rent and Managing Your Tenancy

Payment Options: Direct debit (preferred for ease), online via MyAccount portal (now unified with Hyde’s system), phone, or in-person.
Support for Arrears: Dedicated teams offer budgeting advice, referrals to benefits support, and hardship funds where appropriate.
Tenancy Rights: Secure/assured tenancies include protections against unreasonable eviction, rights to quiet enjoyment, and succession rights.

Repairs and Maintenance – How to Report and What to Expect

A major post-merger win is the new dedicated in-house repairs service launched 1 September 2025.

Reporting: Use MyAccount online, call 0800 3 282 282 (Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Wed 10am–5pm), or the customer service centre.
Response Times: Emergency repairs (e.g., no heating/hot water, serious leaks) within hours; urgent within days; routine within weeks. Hyde’s repairs satisfaction stands at around 85–86%, a benchmark THCH customers now benefit from.
Right to Repair: Statutory scheme for qualifying small repairs.
Improvements: New branded vans, trained teams, and focus on quality mean faster, more transparent service.

Leasehold Management and Service Charges

Leaseholders receive annual service charge summaries, consultation on major works (Section 20 notices), and access to sinking funds. Hyde’s experience has streamlined processes and improved communication.

Anti-Social Behaviour and Neighbourhood Support

Report incidents via dedicated channels. THCH works with police, council, and partners on mediation, warnings, and legal action where needed. Community safety initiatives include estate patrols and resident-led groups.

Community Engagement and Support Initiatives

One of the strongest aspects of THCH Powered by Hyde is its continued commitment to being more than just a landlord—it aims to be a genuine partner in community life across Tower Hamlets.

Building Stronger Communities in Tower Hamlets

THCH has a long tradition of supporting resident-led activities, local events, and estate improvements. Post-merger, this focus has been reinforced through Hyde’s community investment programs.

Examples of initiatives include:

Funding for resident associations and community groups to organise clean-ups, cultural festivals, youth clubs, and intergenerational projects.
Participation in borough-wide regeneration schemes, such as improvements to communal green spaces, play areas, and communal facilities.
Regular resident forums, surveys, and “You Said, We Did” updates that show how tenant feedback directly influences service changes.

The organisation places particular emphasis on amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups in one of London’s most ethnically diverse boroughs, where over 60% of residents identify as from Black, Asian, or minority ethnic backgrounds.

Additional Support Services

Beyond core housing services, THCH connects residents to broader support:

Welfare and Benefits Advice: Signposting to specialist advisors for Universal Credit, housing benefit, discretionary housing payments, and council tax support.
Energy Efficiency and Cost-of-Living Help: Installation of insulation, efficient heating systems, and solar panels where feasible, plus advice on reducing bills through the government’s ECO4 scheme and similar programs.
Employment, Training, and Skills Links: Partnerships with local colleges, job centres, and charities to offer courses, apprenticeships, and employment support—particularly valuable in an area with pockets of high unemployment.
Health and Wellbeing Referrals: Connections to mental health services, food banks, domestic abuse support, and older people’s services.

These holistic services help residents not only maintain their tenancies but thrive in their communities.

Navigating the Housing Application Process in Tower Hamlets

Finding a home through THCH requires understanding the local allocation system, which is managed primarily by the council.

How to Apply for THCH Properties

Join the Housing Register: Apply online via the Tower Hamlets Council website (towerhamlets.gov.uk). You’ll need to provide proof of identity, income, residency, and any medical or support needs.
Bidding System: Once registered and placed in a priority band (1–5, with Band 1 for the most urgent cases), you bid on available properties advertised weekly.
Priority Factors: Medical priority, overcrowding (e.g., children sharing bedrooms beyond statutory levels), homelessness prevention, or under-occupation moves.
THCH-Specific Offers: When a THCH property becomes available, it appears in the bidding list. Successful bidders are contacted directly by THCH.

Waiting times vary significantly—Band 1 cases may be housed relatively quickly, while lower bands can face years-long waits due to extreme demand.

Mutual Exchanges and Transfers

Mutual Exchange: If you’re a THCH tenant wanting to move within or outside the borough, use services like HomeSwapper or House Exchange (free for most tenants). THCH must approve the exchange, but permission is usually granted if the new property suits your household size.
Transfers: For moves within THCH stock (e.g., downsizing or medical need), apply directly via MyAccount or customer services.

Alternatives if THCH Homes Aren’t Available

Tower Hamlets has several other registered providers, including:

Poplar HARCA
East End Homes
Clarion Housing
One Housing

You can also explore:

Private rented sector options with deposit schemes or council-backed guarantees.
Intermediate rent or London Living Rent schemes.
Council homelessness prevention team (if at risk of eviction or homelessness).

Always check eligibility carefully and seek independent housing advice from organisations like Shelter or Citizens Advice.

Recent Changes and What Tenants Need to Know in 2026

The 2025 merger continues to deliver tangible improvements into 2026.

Post-Merger Updates and No-Change Guarantees

Tenancy agreements, rent levels (subject only to annual RPI/CPI+1% or government caps), and core services remain unchanged for existing residents.
The THCH brand and local identity are preserved under “Powered by Hyde,” ensuring continuity of community focus.

Investment in Homes and Improvements

The £62 million five-year commitment includes:

Meeting and exceeding the Decent Homes Standard.
Fire safety enhancements (all blocks now have up-to-date fire risk assessments and remediation where needed).
Energy efficiency upgrades to reduce fuel poverty.
Modernisation of communal areas, lifts, and security systems.

Many residents have already seen faster repairs and clearer communication as a result.

Staying Informed: Newsletters, MyAccount, and Contact Channels

Sign up for the resident newsletter via MyAccount.
Use the unified MyAccount portal for rent payments, repair reporting, and service updates.
Contact options: 0800 3 282 282 (freephone), email via the website, or visit the local office.

Expert Tips for THCH Residents – Maximizing Your Home and Rights

Here are practical, actionable recommendations based on current UK housing law and resident experience:

Budget Smartly: Set up direct debit to avoid missed payments. Use benefits calculators regularly—many tenants are entitled to more support than they claim.
Energy Saving: Install draught excluders, use LED bulbs, and request a free energy performance certificate review from THCH.
Know Your Rights: Familiarise yourself with Awaab’s Law (landlords must address serious health hazards like mould promptly), the Right to Repair scheme, and eviction safeguards under the Renters’ Rights Bill (expected full implementation by late 2026/early 2027).
Resolve Disputes Early: Use THCH’s formal complaints process first, then escalate to the Housing Ombudsman if needed—free and independent.
Get Involved: Join your estate board or resident association to influence local decisions and access small community grants.
Apply for Grants: Look into the Discretionary Housing Payment, council hardship funds, or charitable grants for furniture/white goods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Has my landlord officially changed after the Hyde merger? A: You are now a tenant of THCH Powered by Hyde (a subsidiary of Hyde). Day-to-day contact and services remain local to Tower Hamlets.

Q2: How do I report a repair? A: Use MyAccount online, call 0800 3 282 282, or use the dedicated repairs line. Emergency repairs are prioritised.

Q3: What if I’m struggling to pay rent? A: Contact THCH immediately for tailored support, benefits checks, and possible payment plans. Do not ignore arrears—early help prevents serious consequences.

Q4: Can I get involved in community decisions? A: Yes—join resident forums, estate boards, or respond to consultations. Your input shapes services.

Q5: How long is the waiting list for a THCH home? A: It varies by priority band. Urgent cases (Band 1) may wait months; lower bands can wait years due to high demand.

Q6: Are there plans for new THCH homes? A: The Hyde partnership enables greater investment, including potential contributions to new affordable homes in Tower Hamlets.

Q7: Who do I contact about service charges or major works? A: Leasehold team via MyAccount or the main contact number. You’ll receive Section 20 consultation notices for major works.

Q8: Is my home safe following recent building safety changes? A: Yes—THCH complies with the Building Safety Act, with completed EWS1 forms where required and ongoing remediation.

Tower Hamlets Community Housing Ltd, now strengthened as THCH Powered by Hyde, continues to play a vital role in providing secure, affordable, and community-focused housing in one of London’s most dynamic yet pressured boroughs. With enhanced repairs, significant investment in homes, and a renewed emphasis on resident voice, the organisation is well-positioned to support current and future residents through the challenges of the housing crisis.

Whether you’re seeking your first social home, managing an existing tenancy, or exploring leasehold options, the resources and contacts outlined here can help you take confident next steps.