Essay on the Extent to Which Tenant Participation Benefits Landlords but Not Tenants

Tenant participation is one aspect in the housing sector that has become of concern. Many countries are advocating for tenant participation when it comes to making decisions and coming up with the ideas that in one or the other may affect the housing sector. In most cases, whether it is private housing, public or social housing, the landlord is known to have the power since he or she has the ownership rights to the property. However, most housing agencies are trying to come up with strategies that are to help in ensuring that there is tenant participation in the housing sector. Tenant participation is known to have benefits to both the tenants and the landlords (Sim, 2004).

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Tenant participation can be defined as a means by which the landlords, as well as tenants, share ideas, information and power. This is always done in an attempt to improve both the housing provided and the conditions as well as services. This means that landlords remain with the responsibility to consult with their tenants when it comes to decision making (Scottish Government, 2014). Tenant participation is not something that has been raised today. Arnstein described tenant participation in form of a ladder that was divided into three major phases which have eight steps in total. The three phases or categories are non-participation at the very bottom followed by tokenism and lastly citizen power at the very top (Ison & Collins, 2006).

Non-participation has two steps. The first is manipulation at the bottom which is the lowest step of the ladder. This involves the art of deception whereby the requirements of tenant participation are carried out but those with power do not plan to share it with the tenants. The second step is therapy (Arnstein, 1969). Tokenism is the second phase and it involves three steps. The first, which is the third lowest on the ladder is informing. In this case, the landlords who are the power holders make decisions and pass it to the tenants. They do not consult the tenants and therefore, information flow is one-way. The second step is consultation. In this case information as well as ideas of the tenants are received but there is no guarantee that a difference will be made. The third step is placation. At this step, those with power ae pushed to make some sort of sacrifice (Butteriss, 2012).

The highest phase is the citizen power phase and it has three steps. A partnership is step number six on the ladder and it is at this step that the power holders with the tenants now discuss matters to do with joint structures. The second step in this phase is that of delegated power. It is at this phase that the citizens or tenants, in this case, are given some substantial authority over some given programs or plans. The final step which is the highest step is that f citizen control. The citizens or tenants are given all the authority to handle all the jobs relating to the buildings (Scottish Government, 2013).

As indicated earlier, there are some advantages that come with Arnsteins ladder of participation to both the tenants and the landlords. One is the fact that tenant participation gives the landlords involved better links to the entire community. This makes it possible for the landlords to have better opportunities to have partnerships for carrying out of projects (Scottish Social Housing Charter, 2016). It also enables landlords to provide services that are of high quality which may help in tenant retention and therefore bring forth constant income (Davey, 2007). It also helps the landlords to be able to fully understand the needs of those occupying their premises and the community at large. The other advantage is the fact that landlords are able to make improvements on various aspects of their buildings and services provided on the basis of the feedback they receive from tenants (CHS, 2014).

When it comes to tenants, there are various advantages that come with tenant participation. One is that tenants become more involved in the housing affairs and therefore become more involved with the community as well as the housing provider. The tenants are also able to be educated on their rights as well as responsibilities (CHS, 2014). There is also increased tenant satisfaction. This is mainly because the tenants feel like they have some form of ownership when it comes to the services delivered to them. There is also improvement of the tenants skills which helps in improving the confidence when it comes to influencing decisions (Department of Human services, 2006). Through tenant participation, tenants are made aware of any kind of changes from the landlords side that may either affect the way the property they occupy may be maintained or the way in which the management of their tenancy is done (CHs, 2014).

There are also disadvantages that come with tenant participation to the tenants. One is the lack of resources that may be required. The tenants may require resources when they have to participate in the acquisition of resources. The other issue is the lack of skills and knowledge on matters to do with housing. Thirdly, there is the issue of overworking among the tenants since they have to their day to day jobs and then the housing issues. There is also the loss of independence since they may be incorporated in the structure of the landlord (Beckford, Dougal, Millward & Reid, 2003).

References

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