Threshold warns of hidden risks in government’s garden homes plan

Housing charity Threshold has warned that the Government’s plans to allow “garden homes” without planning permission could create more problems than they solve, unless strong protections are put in place for tenants and older homeowners.

The Department of Housing is considering changes to exempted development rules that would allow detached habitable units to be built at the back of existing properties.

The measure has been billed as a way to ease the housing crisis by boosting supply, but Threshold fears that many of these units could slip into the private rental market without the safeguards, standards or tenancy protections that normally apply.

Ann-Marie O’Reilly, Threshold’s National Advocacy Manager, said the charity supports efforts to increase housing supply but stressed that quality and security cannot be sacrificed in the process.

“Modular units like garden homes require clear regulatory frameworks and minimum living standards, especially if intended as long-term dwellings.

“Potentially placing more people into the private rental market without the protections of the Residential Tenancies Act is not a result anyone wants to see,” she said.

Threshold has warned that tenants who rent garden homes could be wrongly treated as licensees, leaving them outside the protections of the Residential Tenancies Act and vulnerable to eviction with little or no notice.

In its submission to the Department of Housing’s public consultation, the charity also pointed out that the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019, which set clear rules on space, heating and sanitation, may not apply to these units unless explicitly required.

That, they argue, could leave renters in substandard conditions.

There are also fears about the wider impact on local communities.

Threshold believes that an increase in developments not requiring planning permission will create gaps in official housing data and make it more difficult for local authorities to track where these units are being built.

That could, in turn, put pressure on already stretched services such as water, waste and transport, with knock-on consequences for residents.

The charity is particularly concerned about the potential risks for older homeowners.

While garden homes could offer an opportunity for older people to remain in familiar surroundings with carers or family members close by, they may also expose them to undue influence from relatives or third parties seeking to benefit financially.

Threshold has cautioned that older people could come under pressure to vacate their homes or to build a garden unit for rental purposes, and is calling for clear safeguards to ensure that any decision to relocate is made freely and with full consent.

O’Reilly said Threshold looks forward to working with the Government in the coming months to make sure that tenant protections, housing quality and appropriate measures for older family members are firmly embedded in any final proposal.

Threshold’s free advice and support service for private renters is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm on 1800 454 454 or online at www.threshold.ie/get-help.