Campaign launched to raise renters’ awareness about their rights

National housing charity Threshold has launched its annual Own Your Rights campaign on International Tenants Day to encourage renters to inform themselves of their rights as tenants in the private rental market.

Now in its fourth year, the Own Your Rights campaign is aimed at raising renters’ awareness about their rights, and the support available to them, when they contact Threshold’s free advice service.

The charity has created a series of podcast episodes hosted by Senior Advisor Alex O’Connor – all under five minutes – which answer frequently asked questions renters have for Threshold advisors.

Additionally, the campaign will see a complete takeover of Threshold’s social media channels for the next two weeks, offering renters a chance to test their knowledge of their rights through polls, as well as introducing some of the advisors at the other end of the Freephone helpline.

According to Threshold’s recent Client Engagement Survey – which had 1,349 respondents – 77% felt that their awareness of their rights had increased after they contacted Threshold, while 75% felt their confidence had improved when dealing with a housing issue.

Launching the campaign, Threshold’s National Advocacy Manager Ann-Marie O’Reilly said:

“Ireland’s private rental market puts a sustained pressure on these tenants, but we want renters to know they’re not alone. Our advisors are here to support these tenants, and it is rewarding to see that over 75% of those who contacted Threshold felt that their awareness of their rights had increased significantly.

This highlights the importance of renters getting in touch – for free – with our team of advisors if they are struggling with their tenancy.

“We would encourage all renters to reach out if they would like to get a better understanding of their rights so that we can help in alleviating some of the pressure”.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien T.D. said:

“It is great to see the Own Your Rights campaign return for its fourth year.

“This campaign is really important for private renters across Ireland as it highlights the supports we have in place for those dealing with issues in the sector.

“This campaign is very timely as it also highlights the increased rent tax credit, which now stands at €1,000 – as announced in Budget 2025 – and we want to ensure that eligible tenants avail of this relief.

“There are also further supports available for renters, including the Housing Assistance Payment, which has been designed to support renters in a rental market that we know is challenging for many.”

Case Study

Sam was under severe stress due to a notice of termination that his landlord issued.

He lived in his rented home with two children and finding a new home that was suitable for his family was stressful.

He rang Threshold and an advisor was able to support him through challenging the validity of the notice of termination at the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Thankfully, the RTB finding was in Sam’s favour and he and his family were able to stay in their home.

However, almost at the same time his landlord changed the letting agent.

This had no impact on Sam and his family except they were in receipt of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and the new letting agent would need to sign forms to confirm this change.

The new letting agents were very slow to sign and send the forms, dragging their feet and ignoring repeated calls from Sam and the Threshold advisor asking them to sign.

Rent was months late as the letting agent simply had not sent in the HAP forms.

The Threshold advisor suggested Sam take a case to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) for HAP discrimination.

HAP discrimination is illegal and can have devastating impacts on a renter’s life. Sam, with the support of his advisor, took the WRC case against the letting agent.

This is a tough process with tight timelines and can be difficult to navigate.

Sam’s experienced advisor was with him each step of the way, and Sam was happily able to withdraw the case after an agreement with the letting agent was reached and a settlement was paid.

Sam kept his tenancy and pays an affordable rent through HAP, keeping him and his children safe in their home.

Threshold’s helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am- 9pm at 1800 454 454, with webchat at www.threshold.ie/get-help/ for any renter in need of advice or support.