in scotland, the term "tenement" lacks the pejorative connotations it carries elsewhere and refers simply to any block of flats sharing a common central staircase and lacking an elevator, particularly those constructed before 1919. tenements were, and continue to be, inhabited by a wide range of social classes and income groups. tenements today are bought by a wide range of social types, including young professionals, older retirees, and by absentee landlords, often for rental to students after they leave halls of residence managed by their institution. the national trust for scotland tenement house (glasgow) is a historic house museum offering an insight into the lifestyle of tenement dwellers, as it was generations ago.