Threshold

Minister for Housing, James Browne, helped launch our new Galway office today. The minister notes, “I had the opportunity to use Threshold a long time ago as a college student down in Cork so I know how important they really are”. If you missed our launch event please take a look at some clips from the morning event in Galway. #Threshold #ThresholdGalway

We’re delighted to share that our brand new TV ad will begin airing on Sky Ireland channels from today and throughout the summer! Last year, Threshold was selected to take part in the Cannes Young Lions competition, thanks to @iapi_updates . As a result, we were gifted the incredible opportunity to create a powerful ad that helps empower and help renters in need of support and advice. Threshold’s services are free and here for anyone facing challenges as a renter. This wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of amazing sponsors and creative partners. A heartfelt thank you to Max Brady, the team at @bodacious_ireland , @skyireland and IAPI, and everyone who volunteered their time and talent to bring this to life—all at no cost to Threshold. You’ve helped us reach even more renters in need of support and we are so grateful.

We have a real chance to bring badly needed homes back into the long-term rental market, and Government is delaying this legislation to December. Right now, in the middle of a deepening housing crisis where the RTB is seeing a record number of Notices of Termination, too many homes that should be housing people are being used as short-term tourist lets. Even returning a fraction of these properties to the long-term market would make a real and immediate difference. Instead of acting, Government is delaying. The register of short-term lets, a key step to freeing up homes, is now pushed out to December. That delay simply cannot be justified. Short-term let operators have already had 3 years to apply for change-of-use planning permission under existing guidelines. There is nothing stopping them from applying right now. Waiting for an updated National Planning Statement is not an excuse. Housing is a national emergency. People cannot afford more delays. We are calling on Minister Burke to act now. Bring this legislation before the Dáil immediately, do not wait until December, and get it passed without further delay.

Landlord charging you fees on top of rent? This might not be allowed! It isn’t always clear what they can and can’t charge you. If in doubt, get in touch with one of our expert advisors for free and confidential advice. See all the ways to get in touch via the link in our bio.

Scams can happen to anyone — but together, we can stay informed and stay safe. 🔍⚠️ Watch @ksenia.gch from our Student Advisory Group share our top #Scamwatch tips to help protect yourself from scams. 🎥 If you need help, contact @threshold_housing at 1800 454 454. 📞 Please like and share!

A massive thank you to the fantastic students and staff of kilkennycollege for organising their annual tractor run in support of Threshold. 🏡 The buzz on the grounds made for an incredible atmosphere. 🚜 It takes a lot of coordination to get a fleet like that moving, and the students and staff pulled it off flawlessly. 👏 Special thanks to Deputy Principals aubreyokeeffe and clavercahill. 🙏

Are you working with students who are looking for rented accommodation? Do you want to help them avoid scams? Ourselves, @AMLE.IE and @ICOSIRL have a toolkit for you! Take a look at our Scamwatch Toolkit. We have several resources you can deliver to your students to help them protect themselves while looking for rented accommodation: https://threshold.ie/scamwatch-toolkit/

There is no justification for any delays to legislation on short-term lets. There is a clear opportunity for Government to bring much-needed homes back onto the long-term rental market, but that opportunity is being unnecessarily delayed. At a time of deep and worsening housing shortage, too many homes that could be used for long-term renting are instead being used as short-term tourist lets. Returning even a portion of these properties back to long-term use would make a meaningful difference. The first draft of the legislation was published in 2023, and the EU directive was agreed in 2024. Government has had more than enough time to develop the Bill. The need for further clarity on planning has been cited as a reason for delay – yet planning permission guidelines already exist. However, the register established by the legislation can, and should, operate alongside existing planning permission requirements which are already in place and overseen by local authorities. Housing remains a national emergency. We urge Minister Burke to bring the legislation before the Dail and for Government to enact it without delay. It is in their gift to do so.

Last week, we held a training event, Access to Housing Rights, with Focus Ireland and Arthur Cox. Thank you to those who attended and to our co-hosts! It was great to bring people across the sector together and listen to the practical contributions from panellists and the breakout discussions.

In Q1, 63% of new cases opened by Threshold related to security of tenure. Of all new cases opened, 46% of clients had received a Notice of Termination, and a further 17% were worried that their landlord was going to end the tenancy, but they had not yet received a formal notice. The figures underline the continued pressure in the private rental sector. While the new rental legislation provides security for renters, it will take time for it to be felt, while confusion and unaffordability could still lead to renters losing their homes. There is no reason to end an already existing tenancy, as the new rental rules only apply to those beginning on or after 1 March 2026. If you're renting and received a Notice of Termination, get in touch with our expert advisors! See all the ways to get in touch via the link in our bio.

We are happy to publish our Q1 2026 Impact Report. In the quarter, Threshold supported over 10,000 households. Our advisors supported households across the country, stopping families and individuals from entering homelessness. Read the full report via the link in our bio!

We have major concerns the with Government's proposal to exempt modular cabins in back gardens from planning for them to be put on the rental market and it looks like The Journal's readers do as well! We recognise the urgent need to increase housing supply, but this measure carries significant risks. This would mean even more licence arrangements, ie renters with little to no legal protections and no access to the RTB. For example, licence arrangements do not have to be registered with the RTB, have no protection from rent increases and minimum notice periods do not apply. This is an insecure renting situation. We call on the Government to halt this proposal until a full review of license arrangements is completed and basic protections for occupants are put in place. If you'd like your answer registered on The Journal's poll, see the link in our bio!