Threshold prevents over 1,000 households from entering homelessness in Q4 2024
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Over 8,800 households supported by Threshold in Q4 2024
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Tenancy termination remains among top concerns for renters
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Threshold welcomes commitment to Rent Register in new Programme for Government
According to national housing charity Threshold’s latest Impact Report, Threshold advisors prevented 1,018 households from entering homelessness, up by 12% from the same period last year. This meant that over 1,300 adults and 1,060 children could stay in their homes or were supported by Threshold to secure alternative housing.
Between October and December 2024, Threshold supported over 8,800 households including 7,280 children. Of the new households who contacted Threshold, 1,479 were at risk of homelessness as the rental market continues to put pressure on tenants.
As has been the case in previous quarters, the majority of tenancy termination cases that Threshold supported were due to the landlord planning to sell their property, which placed some private tenants without other options and at risk of homelessness. Threshold’s Tenancy Protection Service was a key tool of which many renters availed, getting the support they needed in times of great stress.
Speaking on the report, Threshold’s National Advocacy Manager, Ann-Marie O’Reilly said:
“It is hugely encouraging to see renters feel empowered to own their rights. Our latest Impact Report highlights how Threshold advisors provide support to renters to see their rights fulfilled. We would encourage any renters facing difficulties to get in touch.”
Deposit Protection Scheme and new Rent Register
Among the main challenges that private renters faced over the last quarter were withheld deposits and unaffordable rent increases that sometimes breached the 2% limit in Rent Pressure Zones. The new Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a register of rental prices, for which Threshold has advocated. This would allow prospective tenants to see at what price a property was previously let, meaning they could question any significant increases.
The Q4 Impact Report highlights the urgent need for additional rent supports. Threshold is also advocating for the implementation of a Deposit Protection Scheme, as exists in the UK. In 2024 alone, 729 renters got in touch with Threshold regarding issues with their deposit refunded from their landlord. Threshold is calling for the creation of a Deposit Protection Scheme in Ireland, deploying a third-party custodial model that would ensure a deposit is returned to the tenant at the end of their tenancy. Where a landlord did need to claim expenses after the tenancy, they could provide a proof of expense to retain some of the deposit, which would ensure greater transparency. The Minister for Housing, Daragh O’Brien has received a report on the matter.
Commenting on the Deposit Protection Scheme, O’Reilly said:
“We welcome the new Government’s commitment to creating a rent register, for which Threshold has been an advocate. A rent register will bring greater clarity to renters and will help minimise unlawful rent increases by landlords.
“Threshold is also urging the new Government to establish a Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS). Such a scheme would alleviate the stress and financial hardship of many renters each year. By introducing a custodial scheme, there would be greater transparency, fairness and efficiency when it comes to deposits, ensuring that tenants can access their funds promptly and without dispute. This is a straightforward solution, and its implementation would mark a significant step forward in bringing stability and security to the private rental sector.”
Case Study: Amy’s Story
Amy received a Notice of Termination (NoT) from her landlord who said that they wanted to move back into their property in Wexford. Amy had lived in her home for four years where she and her two-year-old girl were very much part of the community. Her daughter attended the local créche and had become good friends with her neighbours.
Amy, who worked in a charity supporting people experiencing homelessness, knew how difficult it can be to find a home, and she spent a lot of time trying to find a new property for her family to move into. Amy eventually found a home through a friend nearby. She remained close with her previous neighbours and learned through them that the landlord had not moved back into the property. Instead, the landlord had posted it on Daft, with a rent 21% higher than what Amy was paying. The house was in a Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) and therefore breached the 2% cap on increases every 12 months.
Amy was upset when she found out that the home had a new tenant, given the stress she had trying to secure a new home for her family. She decided to submit a case to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), as she was familiar with the process given her previous work.
Following evidence submitted by her landlord, Amy turned to Threshold for additional help with the case. Amy’s Threshold advisor supported her and highlighted the clear evidence that she had in her favour, which ultimately resulted in the adjudicator ruling the case in Amy’s favour and ordering the landlord to pay her €2,000 in damages.
Following the verdict, Amy said:
“I was a good tenant. I work in a good job. And then I found myself in my previous clients’ shoes, potentially facing homelessness. It highlights the current crisis we’re in. If I can just help one tenant who has been wronged to speak out, encourage them to get help, it’ll be worth it.”