Leeds Jewish Housing Association wins top prize at Northern Housing Awards

Leeds Jewish Housing Association has been named ‘Landlord of the Year’ at the Northern Housing Awards 2026 in Manchester, just weeks after the Lord Mayor hailed its “dramatic, sustained and impactive” levels of development.

The prize is open to housing associations, councils and related organisations across the north of England “that do more than simply provide a roof over people’s heads.”

The awards judging panel said they were “deeply impressed” by LJHA’s commitment to community, inclusivity and tenant wellbeing, adding: “Their resident-centred approach, innovative support services and strong partnerships demonstrated a landlord genuinely focused on improving lives and supporting independence across its communities.”

Mark Grandfield, LJHA chief executive, said: “To be recognised by industry peers is special, but being nominated as the greatest social landlord in the north of England is even better because we’re adding real value to the communities we serve.”

Asked what makes LJHA great, Mark added: “I think we have 35 staff who go that extra mile all the time”.

Andrew Pliener, chair of the LJHA board said the organisation exists “to provide services for our residents and help build a thriving Jewish community” and that the award “validates all the hard work the organisation is undertaking and is great recognition of the efforts of our staff.”

Founded in 1953, LJHA is an established Jewish-led community based registered social housing provider with more than 500 properties in its portfolio and provides a mixture of homes for individuals, families, older people and shared ownership.

It will shortly expand this number with a new development of 28 affordable homes, the second phase of a two-part scheme which is due for completion this summer.