Over 18,000 households assisted by Threshold in 2023

Almost 4,000 households that sought assistance from Threshold last year were prevented from entering homeless services.

According to its latest annual report, over 18,700 households were supported by the housing charity in 2023 - echoing similar trends the previous year.

Those supported by the charity included 24,634 adults and 15,516 children who were in rental housing.

The report shows that some of the top issues for renters nationwide included tenancy termination, general termination queries and issues with standards/repairs.

It highlights the impact that the housing crisis is having on families and individuals who rely on the sector for their home.

Bianca, who was living with her husband and two children, contacted Threshold after receiving a Notice of Termination from her landlord who was planning to sell the family home.

She and her family had lived in the property for 10 years.

As a single-income household, they had limited savings and were unable to afford another rental property or mortgage.

Threshold assisted her in exploring the Tenant-in-Situ Scheme, which allowed the Local Authority to purchase the home from the landlord.

The landlord agreed to sell the property through the scheme, enabling the family to remain in their home permanently.

With one in five households now renting, Threshold has said that a specific and targeted private rental sector strategy is required.

A Daft report last week showed that rents are continuing to rise while the number of rental units has decreased.