Threshold supports over 10,000 households with rental concerns in Q1 2026

Threshold supports almost 900 households from entering homelessness in first three months of the year
National housing charity highlights landlord confusion over new rental legislation as a factor in Notices of Termination
Tenancy termination remains the top issue facing renters

National housing charity Threshold supported 10,156 households, according to figures from the latest Impact Report. This includes 13,106 adults and 8,501 children.

Between January and March 2026, Threshold prevented 899 households from entering homelessness. This meant 1,189 adults and 905 children could stay in their homes or were supported by Threshold to secure alternative housing.

In Q1, 63% of new cases opened by Threshold related to security of tenure. Of all new cases opened, 46% of clients had received a Notice of Termination, and a further 17% were worried that their landlord was going to end the tenancy, but they had not yet received a formal notice. Of the households that contacted Threshold during this period, 2,372 households were at risk of homelessness.

Threshold said the figures underline the continued pressure in the private rental sector. While the new rental legislation provides security for renters, it will take time for it to be felt while confusion and unaffordability could still lead to renters losing their homes.

New rental legislation

Threshold has welcomed the Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026, which came into effect on 1 March 2026, as an important step towards recognising renting as a long-term housing option and strengthening renters’ rights. The new rules on security of tenure, which set a minimum tenancy duration of six years, should give renters a much greater sense of stability.

Despite these improvements, Threshold continues to highlight two major concerns. The charity has seen confusion amongst landlords and tenants about how the new rules apply, with some landlords issuing Notices of Termination (NoTs) to tenants due to misunderstandings around whether the new rules apply to existing tenancies or only those beginning on or after 1 March 2026. Threshold is also concerned that some landlords may seek to bring in new tenants following the changes in the mistaken belief that this automatically allows them to reset rents to market level, although market rent resets can only occur if a tenant leaves voluntarily or when the six-year tenancy ends.

Threshold also continues to raise concerns regarding affordability. Under the new legislation, landlords may increase rents to market level at the end of a six-year tenancy, or when a tenant leaves voluntarily. The charity is concerned about ‘constructive evictions’, where tenants are effectively forced to move out because landlords fail to maintain the property or provide essential services. The landlord may then present the departure as voluntary and use this to increase the rent to market level under the new legislation. Threshold also warns that these resets could result in steep rent increases that undermine the longer-term security the legislation is intended to provide. Threshold notes this is a particular concern for renters relying on the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), as the number of properties available within current HAP limits is already extremely limited. The charity is calling for HAP limits to be increased and kept aligned with future market rent resets.

Speaking on the report and the Act, Threshold’s National Advocacy Manager, Ann-Marie O’Reilly said:

“The first three months of 2026 show that tenancy insecurity remains a daily reality for renters across the country. More than 10,000 households turned to Threshold for support, and almost 900 households were prevented from entering homelessness. Behind every one of those figures is an individual or family trying to have their rights as a renter respected.

“Despite the improvements to security of tenure, Threshold is extremely concerned about the number of Notices of Termination received due to potential confusion regarding the new Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026. It is vital that both landlords and tenants understand that these changes only apply to new tenancies from 1 March 2026. No tenant should be asked to leave their home because of this legislation.

“We are also concerned about the risk of ‘constructive evictions’, where tenants are effectively forced out because landlords fail to maintain the property or provide essential services. If that move is then treated as voluntary, the landlord may be able to raise the rent to market level under the new legislation.

“That, along with the ability to reset rents to market levels between tenancies or at the end of a six-year tenancy, could put homes beyond the reach of low-income renters, could put homes beyond the reach of low-income renters, particularly those relying on the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). HAP limits must be increased and kept in line with the market so that renters are not priced out of their homes.”

Case Study: Niall’s Story

Niall was contacted by his landlord at the beginning of 2026, who said they were unsure whether they would continue renting out the property after the new rules came into effect from 1 March 2026. The conversation came as a shock, particularly as Niall believed he had a good relationship with his landlord.

Niall got in touch with Threshold and spoke to Threshold advisor Jasmine*, who reassured Niall that the landlord had not issued a valid Notice of Termination (NoT) under the Residential Tenancies Act, as all communication had taken place verbally. Jasmine also clarified that the new legislation did not apply to his tenancy, as it had begun before 1 March 2026.

Despite this, Niall felt under pressure and ultimately chose to leave the property, finding alternative accommodation for his family.

Jasmine says this reflects a broader trend, with some renters accepting unlawful or unfair treatment because they do not want to risk losing their tenancy or damaging a future reference.

Jasmine said: “Tenants are coming into our Outreach Clinics around the country wondering if the new legislation applies to them and if it will protect them. They want that protection. However, many landlords do not understand it. They seem frightened by it.”

Threshold is encouraging any renter who is unsure about their tenancy or the new legislation to seek advice before taking action.

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.