Renters Seeking Support from Threshold Charity Surges 20% in One Year

The number of renters at risk of homelessness and seeking assistance from the housing charity Threshold has increased by over 20% in the past year. According to the charity’s latest report, 2,160 new households reached out for help between July and September 2024, marking a 22.8% rise compared to the same period in the previous year. A significant factor driving this surge is landlords opting to sell their properties, placing many renters in precarious situations.

The report reveals that, while many cases are ongoing, 97 households have been unable to find alternative accommodation and have subsequently entered emergency housing. Overall, 9,652 households, comprising over 12,400 adults and 7,640 children, sought support from Threshold regarding tenancy issues. Termination of tenancy remains the primary concern for renters, accounting for 37% of inquiries.

Urgent Need for Licensee Protections

In its findings, Threshold emphasized the “urgent need” for protections for licensees, a category of renters often overlooked in the housing discourse. Licensees include individuals residing in shared accommodations, sublets, or housing provided by employers, and they currently lack the protections afforded by residential tenancies legislation. This absence of legal recourse exposes them to sudden evictions and substandard living conditions.

An example highlighted by the charity involved a UK student who struggled to secure private rental accommodation in Dublin due to intense competition. She eventually found a room through the rent-a-room scheme, which allows homeowners to earn up to €14,000 in tax-free income annually. However, the student reported facing numerous challenges, including boundary issues such as having her food consumed by housemates and being tasked with caring for the homeowners’ dog. She expressed that the lack of security and clear living arrangements significantly impacted her well-being.

Ann-Marie O’Reilly, Threshold’s national advocacy manager, expressed concern over the rise in license-style rental agreements. She stated, “These renters must rely on trust with their licenser – the person they rent from – rather than rights enshrined in legislation.” O’Reilly underscored the need for urgent policy and legislative reforms to provide essential protections for licensees nationwide.

Threshold’s report advocates for immediate policy changes, including the implementation of minimum notice periods for evictions and linking the rent-a-room tax relief to improved housing standards. The charity’s call to action highlights an increasingly critical issue within the rental market, where vulnerable populations seek stability and security in their living arrangements.

As the demand for assistance grows, the challenge to protect renters and address housing shortages becomes more pressing, urging stakeholders to consider comprehensive solutions that safeguard the rights of all individuals within the rental sector.