- National housing charity supported over 18,700 households last year
- Almost 4,000 supported by Threshold from entering homelessness services
- Dedicated private rental strategy, including Deposit Protection Scheme and Rent Register, required in any new Programme for Government
- Essential that commitment given by new government and all future governments to increase social and cost rental to 20% of all housing stock
National housing charity Threshold has called for a new national private rental sector strategy at the publication of its annual report, which highlights the particular level of impact the housing crisis is having on families and individuals who rely on the sector for their home.
The charity’s 2023 annual report shows it supported over 18,700 households, comprising 24,634 adults and 15,516 children who were in rental housing. Threshold closed 5,850 cases where renters were at-risk of homelessness in 2023 and prevented 3,951 of these households – or just over two out of three – from entering homeless services. This follows similar trends from the previous year.
With one in five households now renting, Threshold has said that a specific and targeted private rental sector strategy was required to support more than 330,000 households who rely on rental properties.
Threshold have called on the new government – which will be formed after the general election in 10 days’ time – to prioritize the private rental sector so that tenants are better protected, and that social and cost rental housing is expedited. A new Daft report last week showed that asking rents are continuing to rise while the number of units advertised to rent decreases, while an Ipsos/B&A political poll showed that the cost of rent is an issue among voters.
Launching their annual report in the Mansion House in Dublin today, Threshold highlighted other important issues, including an ongoing campaign for a much-needed deposit protection scheme – similar to initiatives currently in place across the UK – along with a rent register, for more transparency in the private rental sector.
Liam Reid, Chairperson of Threshold said a new government formation in the coming weeks and months provides an opportunity to focus afresh on the private rental sector, as part of a multitude of actions required to address Ireland’s housing crisis:
“The most recent census figures show that over 330,000 households across Ireland, or one in five, are privately renting their homes, either formally or informally. Many of these people and families are in a very vulnerable position given the increase we are seeing in notices of termination [to vacate a property], with low levels of security of tenure compared to other European countries. Many of these households are faced with paying large portions of their income on rent. They will likely see an increase in their rent if they lose their rented home and need to find an alternative.
“I am calling on the new government to put a laser focus on this sector, through a dedicated Private Rental Sector Strategy, so that rights and protections are strengthened for renters and social and cost rental supply is prioritised.”
John Mark McCafferty, Threshold CEO said that Threshold advisers working on the frontline everyday see how difficult the situation has become in recent years:
“Households are struggling in a cost of living and housing crisis, and it is more important than ever that our advisors can support households who are facing the risk of homelessness. Homeless prevention and a dedicated budget have to be central to such a Private Rental Sector Strategy.
“This strategy must strengthen protections for tenants – to ensure more families can stay in safe and affordable housing. A long-term commitment now by the incoming Government to increase social and cost rental to 20% of all housing stock is essential.”
Termination queries are main reason for contact to charity
Among the top issues for renters nationwide were tenancy termination, general termination queries and issues with standards/repairs, according to Threshold’s 2023 Annual Report. The charity also published six reports on the private rental sector and delivered 11 policy submissions on key issues such as housing supply, affordability, and tenant protections to the Housing Commission, the Department of Housing, and other relevant bodies.
In addition, Threshold ran its Own Your Rights campaign, reaching over 600,000 people across Ireland, alerting and empowering renters to get in touch with Threshold’s services.
Case Study
Bianca, who was living with her husband and two children, contacted Threshold after receiving a Notice of Termination (NoT) from her landlord who was planning to sell the family home. Bianca and her family had lived in the property for 10 years. As a single-income household, they had limited savings and were unable to afford another rental property or mortgage. Facing the prospect of homelessness, Bianca felt overwhelmed and contacted Threshold.
Threshold assisted her in exploring the Tenant-in-Situ Scheme, which allowed the Local Authority to purchase the home from the landlord. After successful negotiations, the landlord agreed to sell the property through the scheme, enabling Bianca and her family to remain in their home permanently.
Expressing her relief, Bianca said, “I honestly thought we would be out on the street, but now we have security and don’t have to worry about finding a new place.”
Threshold’s helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am- 9pm at 1800 454 454, or online at www.threshold.ie/get-help for any private renter in need of advice or support.
