This research study aims to develop a clear understanding of what factors would help improve the renting experience for social tenants in Scotland. The evidence gathered will help Consumer Scotland gain knowledge on the experiences of social tenants and the extent to which policy staff can make informed changes to the way the social rental sector operates. The research is being conducted on Consumer Scotland’s behalf by IFF.
Consumer Scotland is the statutory and independent body for consumers in Scotland. It was established by the Consumer Scotland Act 2020 and accountable to the Scottish parliament. The definition of consumers in the Act includes both individuals and businesses with less than fifty employees.
1. Why should I take part in the study?
The more voices and perspectives we hear, the better this research study will be. We know that each tenant’s experience and views are unique, and we would like to capture as many experiences and views as we can. What we find out will be used to inform policy and make a difference to tenants living in social housing in Scotland.
2. Do I have to take part in the study?
Taking part is voluntary and you do not have to answer any questions you don’t want to. It’s up to you to take part in this research study, but we hope you will as your views will help to make this study even better. See “Why should I take part in the study?”
3. How have IFF Research got my contact details?
Your details were provided by Sagacity Solutions. They are a data insights consultancy that provides various data-related services, including supplying GDPR compliant data about individuals in the UK.
4. What will you ask me about?
The survey will ask about your experiences as a social housing tenant in Scotland. You will be asked questions in the following areas:
Getting started: A few questions to check if the survey is relevant to you – for example, whether you live in Scotland and rent from a social landlord.
- Your experience as a tenant: What it’s like renting in social housing.
- Services and support: How you feel about the services you receive from your landlord.
- Property condition and standards: The quality and upkeep of your home.
- Knowing your rights: How aware you are of how to raise concerns or complaints.
- Access and stability: Your experience getting into social housing and how secure you feel in your tenancy.
- About your home: Some basic details about your property and tenancy.
- About you: A few general questions about you, like age or background (these help us understand who’s taking part)
5. How long will the survey take to complete?
The survey should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete.
6. How will my responses be stored?
All data will be held securely within IFF Research’s secure drives and will be retained for 3 months after the end of the research study, i.e. by December 2025, and then will be securely destroyed.
More about data protection can be found here: Privacy policy | IFF Research
7. Who will see my survey responses?
The project team working on this research will see your individual survey responses and these will be used for research and analysis purposes only.
8. How will my responses be used?
No information that will identify you as an individual will be shared in the public domain, or with Consumer Scotland, the Scottish Parliament, your landlord, or with anyone outside the project team.
9. Who is IFF Research?
IFF Research is an independent market research agency based in the UK, that operates under the strict guidelines of the Market Research Society’s Code of Conduct, the 2018 Data Protection Act and UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). For more information about IFF Research, please visit the website.
You can contact IFF Research via telephone on 0207 250 3035 or via email at SocialRentScotland@iffresearch.com