Social landlords, including local authorities, housing associations and social housing co‑operatives, are encouraged to take part by completing the landlord survey. The survey focuses on how tenant participation is structured and supported, the approaches and methods used, and how impact and inclusion are understood. Insight from landlords across the sector will help build a national picture of what is working well, where challenges are being felt, and what support or learning may be needed.

Tenants are also invited to complete the tenant survey, which is open to anyone who rents their home or receives services from a council, housing association, or social housing co‑operative. It focuses on lived experience, including awareness of opportunities to get involved, experiences of taking part (or choosing not to), and whether tenant involvement leads to change.

We encourage housing colleagues to share the tenant survey with their tenants, so a wide range of tenant experiences are reflected in this national research.

This research comes at an important moment. It’s 25 years since the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 established tenants’ rights to be informed, consulted and involved in decisions affecting their homes and services, alongside clear duties on landlords to support and embed tenant participation. Since then, the Scottish Social Housing Charter and tenant-led scrutiny have strengthened expectations around accountability and influence.

However, the context has shifted. Digital engagement is now more common, expectations have evolved, and both organisations and tenants are navigating wider social and financial pressures.

Sharon Donohoe, interim CEO at TIS, said: “Tenant participation has matured over the last 25 years, but the world around it has changed. This research gives us an important opportunity to pause, reflect, and listen - to tenants, landlords, and the wider sector- about what’s working, what feels challenging, and what tenant participation needs to be in the years ahead.”

Alongside the surveys, the project will also include workshops, case studies, and a review of existing research and evidence, which together will inform future learning and practical recommendations.

Whether you are delivering tenant participation or experiencing it directly, your perspective is an important part of this national research.

You can read more about the research on the TIS website or get in touch on 0141 248 1242 or info@tis.org.uk.

Link to landlord survey: Landlord Survey- TIS & The Scottish Government- State of Play research – Fill in form
Link to tenant survey: Tenant Survey- TIS & The Scottish Government- State of Play research  – Fill in form
Link to TIS website: New national research to examine tenant participation in Scotland - TIS