- Affordability among top concerns for renters
- Threshold recommends move to Unitary Housing System
Latest figures from the national housing charity Threshold show that 1,118 households were prevented from entering homelessness in Q2 2024. As with previous quarters, tenancy termination remains the biggest issue facing Threshold clients, with 40% of queries related to this.
The charity’s Q2 2024 Impact Report shows that over 9,400 households were supported by Threshold advisors. This includes over 12,000 adults and over 8,000 children, with Threshold advisors completing a total of 11,036 calls. This is down 9% from the previous quarter.
Affordability
Threshold’s We Are Generation Rent report1, which surveys the charity’s clients about their experiences, found that 74% of respondents struggle to pay bills and other household expenses, after paying rent. While this issue requires a long-term solution, Threshold advisors are available to support tenants and provide alternative options, including applying for housing supports such as the Housing Assistance Payment or Rent Supplement, or helping a client challenge an unlawful rent increase.
Unitary Housing System
Threshold is advocating for the development of a unitary housing system in Ireland. This includes an integrated rental market where social and cost-rental housing is accessible to a larger number of households across a broader range of income levels. This increase in social and affordable housing would in turn create competition with the private rental sector – and has the potential to make the sector more affordable and secure as a result.
Given that security of tenure and affordability remain the biggest concerns for private renters here, such a system could tackle these issues. A unitary housing system, as seen in Sweden, would see the State increase the number of social and cost-rental housing units, to comprise at least 25% of the total housing stock
Such a system has many benefits for society. If implemented, it would provide much needed relief to renters and would reduce inequality within the housing market, creating a more inclusive and egalitarian society.
Commenting on Threshold’s proposed housing system transformation, Threshold CEO John-Mark McCafferty said:
“We continue to see private renters contacting our advisors with a wide range of issues: from termination of tenancies, to poor living conditions, to rent increases and rent arrears. However, it is encouraging to see that over 11,000 calls were taken by our advisors, providing vital support to over 9,400 households. This is a credit to our committed team and the incredible work that they do for renters across Ireland.”
“We hear from our clients via calls – as well as in our recent “We Are Generation Rent” survey – that affordability is a big issue facing renters. It is clear we need to improve alternative options for renters struggling to pay high rents., A unitary housing system is a more equitable system, which would provide more affordable housing, and one we should strive towards.”
Case Study – Dylan’s Story
Dylan had been receiving the Rent Supplement (RS) for several years following advice from Threshold. However, his landlord suddenly increased the rent above this supplement limit, which came at a very difficult time for Dylan as he had just received a devasting health diagnosis. Dealing with the stress of his diagnosis – combined with the fear of losing his home – became very difficult for Dylan to handle.
Dylan reached out to his Threshold advisor for some support. The advisor worked closely with the Community Welfare Officer to try and secure an uplift in Dylan’s RS payment. The rent increase date came and went, and Dylan became quite worried as he still hadn’t been approved for the uplift.
Thankfully, the uplift was finally approved and backdated, meaning Dylan could clear all his rent arrears. However, there was still a six-month review to complete as part of the RS process. The review became very stressful for Dylan at a time where he was undergoing health treatments as he didn’t want to lose his home. His Threshold advisor continued to liaise with the Community Welfare Officer, and he then received approval for uplifted payments.
In 2023, Dylan received a Notice of Termination as his landlord wanted to sell the property. Dylan immediately contacted Threshold. His advisor contacted the landlord and informed him of the Tenant-in-Situ Scheme, which allows the landlord to sell a property to the Local Authority. The sale went through in Q2 2024, and Dylan is now happy in a secure, affordable tenancy managed by his Local Authority.
Read the full report here.
