Tenant participation

Tenants and staff of local authorities and housing associations have developed tenant participation in the way decisions are taken about housing services.  This is reinforced by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, which places certain requirements on landlords.  Commitment to making tenant participation work is the most important factor of all.    

Effective participation relies on tenants deciding what level of involvement is appropriate.  Very often tenants influence decisions by forming tenants and residents associations.  However, a good approach to encouraging tenant participation involves developing a variety of options for tenants to become involved.  TPAS has been instrumental in developing innovative new methods of participation. 

Some examples of tenant participation: 

• Registered tenant organisations
• Tenants and residents associations
• Village voices
• Focus groups and policy review groups
• Tenant conferences
• Questionnaires and surveys
• Estate walkabouts
• Tenant-led inspections
• Mystery shopping

A definition

Tenant participation is about tenants taking part in decision-making processes and influencing decisions about:

• Housing policies
• Housing conditions
• Housing related services

It is a two way process which involves the sharing of information, ideas and power.  The aim is to improve the standard of housing conditions and standards.