Rising Homelessness: 2,160 Renters Seek Help Amid Crisis

A significant increase in the number of renters facing homelessness has been reported by the national housing charity, Threshold. In 2025, over 2,160 households reached out for assistance, marking a 22.8 percent rise compared to the same period in the previous year. The data, covering the months of July to September, highlights the escalating housing crisis in Ireland, with many renters at risk due to landlords opting to sell their properties.

During this period, Threshold supported a total of 9,652 households, which included 12,408 adults and 7,640 children. The charity’s intervention was crucial, as it helped 872 households, consisting of 1,150 adults and 809 children, either remain in their homes or secure alternative accommodation. Notably, tenancy termination was the primary concern for renters, accounting for over 37 percent of inquiries, with additional requests for advice on leases, social housing, and property standards.

Urgent Need for Licensee Protections

In its latest outreach, Threshold emphasized the urgent need for basic protections for licensees, a group of renters often overlooked in housing policy discussions. Licensees, who rent accommodations under informal arrangements, lack the legal protections provided by the Residential Tenancies Acts. This absence of formal recognition leaves them vulnerable to sudden evictions and inadequate housing conditions.

Examples of licensees include individuals renting from head tenants, employees living in employer-provided housing, and lodgers residing in shared accommodations. Threshold is advocating for comprehensive policy reform, including the establishment of minimum notice periods, a central registry for licenses, and tailored standards for the Rent-a-Room scheme.

According to Ann-Marie O’Reilly, National Advocacy Manager at Threshold, “The challenges faced by licensees are not new to us. However, the growing diversity of rental arrangements is concerning.” She highlighted that these renters rely on trust rather than legal rights, underscoring the pressing need for reform to protect this vulnerable group.

Personal Struggles Amid the Housing Crisis

The challenges faced by renters like Emily, a student from the UK, illustrate the broader housing crisis. Emily struggled to find accommodation in Dublin, often applying for up to 50 properties daily. With each property attracting approximately 600 applicants, the competition was fierce. Arriving in Dublin just two weeks before her classes began, she turned to Rent-a-Room options, only to encounter stringent house rules imposed by many homeowners.

Ultimately, Emily secured a room under the Rent-a-Room scheme for €1,100 per month. However, her experience was fraught with mixed signals from her licensors. While one allowed friends to visit, another reprimanded her for having guests, creating an uncomfortable living environment. She also dealt with boundary issues, such as having her food taken and being unexpectedly tasked with caring for her licensors’ dog. Faced with restrictions on her ability to work from home, Emily felt unable to voice her concerns due to the precarious nature of her housing arrangement.

For those in similar situations, Threshold offers services by phone, available Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 21:00 at 1800 454 454, or online at www.threshold.ie/get-help. The charity is committed to providing support and guidance to private renters in need, highlighting the critical role of advocacy in addressing Ireland’s ongoing housing crisis.