We need your help to better support neurodivergent tenants in Scotland

Callum Wynd, tenancy participation officer at Clackmannanshire Council is leading a project to improve the application process and tenancy support for neurodivergent tenants and is looking for input from CIH members across Scotland. 

Neurodivergency is an umbrella term that refers to people who processes information or behave differently from what might be considered “typical”. The term covers a range of conditions which can present as very mild differences, or more complex conditions which might require more support and can include autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other conditions.

While discussing the council’s Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) and longer-term vision for housing across Clackmannanshire, Callum identified a gap in support for neurodivergent people who can often find the housing application process complex and confusing, and might need extra support with tenancy sustainment after moving in.

Seeking to learn more about the extent to which other organisations have identified and addressed the needs of neurodivergent tenants, Callum has established a steering group which aims to:

• Understand the challenges which neurodivergent tenants and applicants face, both during the application process and throughout their tenancy.
• The ways in which housing organisations can improve their overall experience, both as an applicant and as a tenant.
• Additional support that needs to be put in place by housing providers to assist people who may struggle with certain aspects of the tenancy. 

Callum is now looking for input from social landlords across Scotland and would appreciate if you could provide feedback on any of the following:

1. Application process: What support do you have in place for neurodivergent applicants and tenants? Do you amend the application forms to make the process easier? Do you have a policy around this?
2. Sustaining a tenancy: What types of ongoing support do you think are most important to help neurodivergent tenants sustain their tenancies? Do you have further information on the tenancy support you provide? (e.g., help with budgeting, routine reminders, clear communication from landlords)
3. Communication preferences: What methods of communication work best for you when dealing with tenants? (e.g., email, text, phone, face-to-face, visual guides)
4. Improvement suggestions: What changes would you like to see in the housing system to better support neurodivergent tenants — both during the application process and throughout the tenancy?
5. Do you feel fully equipped to support a neurodivergent tenant? If not, what other support do you feel you need? 

Please email responses directly to Callum Wynd at cwynd@clacks.gov.uk .