In a survey conducted by housing Charity Threshold, it was revealed that 1 in 5 renters surveyed are spending 50% or more of their income on rent.

The housing charity Threshold has released several research reports in the past year, published in partnerships with Alone and the Citizens Information Board. These research reports reveal that:

• Nearly three-in-five of ‘Generation Rent’ (59%) say they are renting not by choice, but because they cannot afford to buy as house prices continue to increase
• 60% of renters reported problems with poor living conditions in their home
• 1 in 5 renters spend 50% and above of their net income on rent

In response to the survey findings Threshold have “Own Your Rights” campaign, designed to raise renters’ awareness of their tenancy rights and how Threshold can provide them with help.

John-Mark McCafferty, CEO of Threshold, said: “It's abundantly clear that the private rental market is not working for many renters across Ireland. Not only are these renters facing rising costs, but many are insecure in their homes, which is having a detrimental impact on their quality of life and mental well-being.”

McCafferty added: “Furthermore, the living conditions for many renters are not up to par. We need to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, secure, suitable and good quality housing ,”.

The “Own Your Rights” campaign is also designed to reach communities across Ireland with high levels of private renting, who may not know about Threshold or have not previously engaged with Threshold’s services including younger and older renters, marginalised communities and people from migrant communities.

Anyone who wishes to learn more about their tenant rights can visit www.threshold.ie or confidentially call our expert service advisors, freephone on 1800 454 454. The Threshold Freephone line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm, our webchat service is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5pm, or alternatively you can email us via our website 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

As part of the campaign, Threshold have designed a new “Own Your Rights” quiz, which can be taken here.