Renters still under pressure despite new law, says Threshold

More than 10,000 households sought help from Threshold in the first three months of this year, with the charity warning that insecurity remains a daily reality for renters despite the introduction of new protections.

Figures published in Threshold’s latest Impact Report show the scale of demand, with 10,156 households supported, representing 13,106 adults and 8,501 children.

The organisation also revealed that it prevented 899 households from entering homelessness between January and March 2026, helping 1,189 adults and 905 children to either remain in their homes or secure alternative accommodation.

The data paints a stark picture of continued strain in the private rental sector, with almost two thirds of new cases linked to concerns around security of tenure.

Of those who contacted the charity during the period, 46 per cent had already received a Notice of Termination, while a further 17 per cent feared their landlord would end their tenancy. In total, 2,372 households were identified as being at risk of homelessness.

The figures come just weeks after the introduction of the Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026, which came into effect on March 1 and aims to strengthen renters’ rights, including setting a minimum tenancy duration of six years.

Threshold has welcomed the legislation as a significant step forward, particularly in recognising renting as a long term housing option, but has warned that the benefits will take time to be felt and may be undermined by confusion and affordability pressures.

Ann-Marie O’Reilly, National Advocacy Manager with Threshold, said the early months of 2026 underline just how fragile many tenancies remain.

“The first three months of 2026 show that tenancy insecurity remains a daily reality for renters across the country.

More than 10,000 households turned to Threshold for support, and almost 900 households were prevented from entering homelessness.

Behind every one of those figures is an individual or family trying to have their rights as a renter respected.”

One of the central concerns raised by the charity is widespread misunderstanding of the new rules among both tenants and landlords.

Threshold said it has already seen cases where Notices of Termination were issued incorrectly because landlords believed the legislation applied to existing tenancies, rather than only those that began on or after March 1.

“Despite the improvements to security of tenure, Threshold is extremely concerned about the number of Notices of Termination received due to potential confusion regarding the new Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026.

“It is vital that both landlords and tenants understand that these changes only apply to new tenancies from 1 March 2026. No tenant should be asked to leave their home because of this legislation,” Ms O’Reilly said.

The charity also raised alarm about what it describes as “constructive evictions”, where tenants may feel forced to leave a property due to poor conditions or lack of maintenance, allowing landlords to treat the departure as voluntary and reset the rent to current market levels.

“That, along with the ability to reset rents to market levels between tenancies or at the end of a six-year tenancy, could put homes beyond the reach of low-income renters, could put homes beyond the reach of low-income renters, particularly those relying on the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). HAP limits must be increased and kept in line with the market so that renters are not priced out of their homes,” she said.

Threshold said affordability remains one of the most significant risks in the system, particularly for those dependent on HAP, as the number of properties available within existing limits is already extremely restricted.

The charity is calling for those limits to be increased and kept aligned with future rent changes.

Behind the statistics are individual cases that illustrate the pressures facing renters. One such case involved Niall, who was contacted by his landlord at the beginning of the year and told there was uncertainty about whether the property would continue to be rented after the new legislation came into force.

Although no formal Notice of Termination was issued, the conversation left Niall concerned about his future in the property.

He contacted Threshold and spoke with an advisor, who confirmed that the landlord had not followed the correct legal process and that the new legislation did not apply to his tenancy, which began before March 1.

Despite this reassurance, Niall ultimately chose to leave the property and find alternative accommodation for his family, highlighting the power imbalance that can exist even where tenants are technically protected by law.

According to Threshold, this type of outcome is becoming increasingly common, with renters often opting to leave rather than risk conflict with landlords or damage to future references.

A Threshold advisor involved in the case said this reflects a broader trend in how tenants respond to uncertainty in the market.

“Tenants are coming into our Outreach Clinics around the country wondering if the new legislation applies to them and if it will protect them.

“They want that protection. However, many landlords do not understand it. They seem frightened by it.”

The charity said that fear and confusion among landlords is also contributing to instability, with some opting to end tenancies prematurely due to uncertainty about their obligations under the new rules.

While the legislation is intended to provide longer term security, Threshold warned that without clear communication and enforcement, it risks creating unintended consequences in the short term.

The organisation is urging renters to seek advice before taking any action if they are unsure about their rights or the status of their tenancy.

It also reiterated that a Notice of Termination must meet strict legal requirements to be valid, and that verbal communication from a landlord does not constitute formal notice under the law.

For Dublin renters in particular, where demand continues to far outstrip supply, the stakes remain high.

The combination of rising rents, limited availability and legal uncertainty means many households are operating on a knife edge, with even minor disputes or misunderstandings potentially leading to displacement.

Threshold’s latest figures suggest that while progress has been made on paper, the reality on the ground remains challenging, with thousands of households still struggling to maintain secure and affordable housing.

As the new legislation beds in, the charity said clear guidance for both landlords and tenants will be critical, along with continued support services to prevent people from slipping into homelessness.

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

• Email an advisor: www.threshold.ie/email-an-advisor
• Book time to speak with an advisor at an Outreach Clinic: www.threshold.ie/book-a-time-to-speak-with-an-advisor