Family Housing has taken over the management of 177 general needs and leasehold homes in Sutton Coldfield and Erdington, after successfully bidding for the homes from Orbit Heart of England.

Orbit Heart of England took the decision to dispose of the homes by looking for a landlord that was geographically better placed to provide a more locally-based service for residents. 

Chief executive of Family Housing Tim Sewell said: “As a significant provider of affordable housing in Birmingham we are delighted to take on the ownership and management of these homes. 

“We’re fully committed to working in all areas of Birmingham and these additional homes in the north of the city strengthens the role that we can play in communities where we already have properties.  Plus, as an organisation which places enormous emphasis on resident involvement and co-regulation, we’re looking forward to working with our new residents.”

Elaine Johnston, director of operations at Orbit Heart of England, said: “We are pleased to have worked in partnership with our residents to select Family as their new landlord.  From the outset we were clear that we wanted our customers to have a genuine input into the process.

“Initial discussions began with residents in summer 2010, when they told us what was important to them in selecting a new landlord to manage their homes.  Their feedback was built into the tendering process, resulting in Family being selected as our preferred bidder.”