Over 1,000 households were saved from homelessness in quarter four of 2024 by national housing charity, Threshold.

According to Threshold’s latest Impact Report, the charity’s advisors prevented 1,018 households from entering homelessness, up by 12% from the same period last year.

This meant that over 1,300 adults and 1,060 children could stay in their homes or were supported by Threshold to secure alternative housing.

Between October and December 2024, Threshold supported over 8,800 households including 7,280 children.

Of the new households who contacted Threshold, 1,479 were at risk of homelessness as the rental market continues to put pressure on tenants.

A press release from Treshold said: “As has been the case in previous quarters, the majority of tenancy termination cases that Threshold supported were due to the landlord planning to sell their property, which placed some private tenants without other options and at risk of homelessness.

“Threshold’s Tenancy Protection Service was a key tool of which many renters availed, getting the support they needed in times of great stress.”

A man walking past 'For Sale' signs in Dublin, 5-5-22. Image: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

“It is hugely encouraging to see renters feel empowered to own their rights,” Threshold’s National Advocacy Manager Ann-Marie O’Reilly said.

“Our latest Impact Report highlights how Threshold advisors provide support to renters to see their rights fulfilled.

“We would encourage any renters facing difficulties to get in touch.”

Among the main challenges that private renters faced over the last quarter were withheld deposits and unaffordable rent increases.

Image via Pixabay.com

The new Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a register of rental prices, which Threshold advocated for.

This would allow prospective tenants to see at what price a property was previously let, meaning they could question any significant increases.

“Threshold is also advocating for the implementation of a Deposit Protection Scheme, as exists in the UK,” a press release said.

“In 2024 alone, 729 renters got in touch with Threshold regarding issues with their deposit refunded from their landlord.

“Threshold is calling for the creation of a Deposit Protection Scheme in Ireland, deploying a third-party custodial model that would ensure a deposit is returned to the tenant at the end of their tenancy.

“Where a landlord did need to claim expenses after the tenancy, they could provide a proof of expense to retain some of the deposit, which would ensure greater transparency.”

The outgoing Minister for Housing Daragh O’Brien has received a report on the matter, Threshold said.

Silver keys hanging in a modern door lock. Image: Alamy