That was one of the strongest messages from recent discussions hosted by TPAS Scotland at its Annual Conference last month, where tenants, landlords, housing professionals and sector partners explored how tenant participation needs to evolve.

The discussion highlighted that traditional tenant participation structures are not always reaching younger tenants. Formal meetings, committee-style processes and corporate language can feel remote, irrelevant or intimidating to many young people, particularly those who are new to their tenancy, living alone, or facing wider pressures.

Speakers and delegates stressed that young people are not disengaged because they do not care. Instead, the sector must ask whether it is using the right language, channels and methods to involve them.

A key message from the event was clear: young people are not the problem, they are part of the solution.

TPAS Scotland is calling for landlords and tenant participation teams across Scotland to rethink how they involve younger tenants. This means moving away from a “one size fits all” model and creating more flexible, informal and practical opportunities for young people to contribute.

The event heard that young tenants are more likely to respond to direct, targeted communication through text messages, email, apps and other digital channels. However, digital engagement must not simply replicate formal processes online. It needs to be simple, accessible and linked to issues young people care about.

Delegates also discussed the importance of meeting young people where they already are - in schools, youth forums, community events, family fun days, local spaces and online environments. Engagement works best when it feels natural and informal, rather than like a recruitment exercise for a committee.

Examples shared included using community events, school-gate conversations, youth-focused activities and creative local initiatives to start conversations about housing in a more approachable way.

TPAS Scotland believes the sector must also do more to build trust with young people. Many younger tenants may only come into contact with tenant participation when they have a problem. Others may have experienced homelessness, financial pressure, isolation, or repeated changes in housing staff, all of which can make it harder to build confidence in services.

To change this, landlords need to show that they are listening. Young people must be asked direct questions about what they need, what matters to them, and how they want to be involved.

Just as importantly, they need to see what happens as a result of their feedback. Where change is possible, landlords should act. Where it is not possible, they should explain why. Without that feedback loop, young people will quickly lose confidence that participation makes any difference.

TPAS Scotland also wants the sector to recognise young people who live in social housing but are not named tenants, including those living with parents, carers or family members. These young people are part of tenant communities and should have opportunities to understand housing, influence services and build confidence in speaking up.

The discussions also pointed to the importance of housing education. Introducing young people to housing rights, responsibilities, tenancy management and career opportunities in housing could help build stronger connections between young people and the sector before they become tenants themselves.

TPAS Scotland is now encouraging landlords to review their tenant participation approaches and consider whether they are genuinely accessible to younger people.

This includes:

● using plain language and avoiding jargon;
● offering digital options such as text, email and tenant apps;
● creating informal ways to get involved without requiring committee membership;
● working with schools, youth groups and community partners;
● involving young people in setting the agenda;
● recognising young people living in tenant households;
● proving that young people’s views lead to action;
● building trust through consistent relationships and honest communication.

Eveline Armour, CEO of TPAS Scotland, said: “Tenant participation in Scotland has a proud history, but it has to keep moving. If we want more young people to get involved, we need to stop expecting them to fit into structures that were not designed with them in mind.

“Young people have views, ideas and lived experience that can improve housing services. The challenge for the sector is to make participation feel relevant, accessible and worthwhile.

“That means going to where young people are, using the channels they use, asking clear questions, listening properly and showing what changes because of their involvement.

“Young people are not the problem. They are part of the solution and Scotland’s housing sector needs to make more room for their voices.”

Rebecca Blackwood, tenant of Langstane Housing Association and board member of TPAS Scotland, said: “Young tenants care passionately about housing, but too often participation does not feel designed for us.

“If the sector wants young people to speak up, it needs to use language we understand, meet us where we are, and prove that our views lead to action. Organisations simply need to ask what young people need and want and be fully transparent in their response.

“Young people have ideas, experience and energy that can improve housing. We need to be part of the conversation from the start and communication needs to be a two-way thing.”

Tanya Thomson, winner of Young Person in Tenant Participation Award at the TPAS Scotland National Good Practice Awards 2026, said: “Getting involved in tenant participation has shown me that young people can make a real difference when we are given the chance to be heard.

“It can be daunting at first, especially if the language feels formal or you are not sure whether your views will be taken seriously. But when landlords and organisations make the effort to listen, explain things clearly and act on feedback, it gives young people confidence to keep contributing.

“Young tenants bring fresh ideas, different experiences and a real understanding of what matters to the next generation. We should be encouraged and supported to help shape the housing services and communities we are part of.”

TPAS Scotland believes that re-imagining tenant participation is essential if Scotland is to build on its strong foundations and ensure that all tenants, including younger people, can influence the decisions that affect their homes and communities.

Webinar

TPAS Scotland will be hosting a webinar on 1st September in partnership with Link Group. Tenant engagement manager Colin Cassie will share Link Group’s insights into how they have successfully engaged younger people in their engagement strategy through a series of transformational approaches.

Find out more here.