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Policy

Threshold works, on a daily basis, with people experiencing housing problems and is in a unique position to analyse existing problems and identify necessary policy changes to improve the operation of the housing system for people renting their home in Ireland. Our organisation it is at the forefront of the development of innovative and creative approaches to overcoming housing problems.

Our Policy Priorities

Security of Tenure

  • Introduce indefinite tenancies.
  • Removal of Section 34(b) which enables 'No Reason Evictions'
  • Amend Section 34 of the Residential Tenancies Acts on the grounds for termination to provide stronger legal safeguards to tenants.

There is a need to review provisions in the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 with a view to ensuring indefinite tenancies become the norm, by limiting the grounds under which a landlord can end a tenancy.

Tackling Substandard Accommodation

  • Introduce a certification scheme whereby landlords must establish compliance with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2017 prior to a property being rented.
  • Urgently introduce a legal definition of overcrowding

Rent Certainty and Transparency

  • Roll out Rent Pressure Zones nationally and beyond the three years envisaged by the current legislation.
  • Ensure rent certainty legislation is adequately monitored and enforced to prevent avoidance measures.
  • Make the RTB rent index publicly accessible and searchable.

Housing Assistance Payment and Rent Supplement

  • Increase Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and Rent Supplement (RS) limits so they reflect market rent levels.
  • Reform the administration of the HAP scheme.
  • Extend Homeless HAP to other urban centres across the country.

Deposit Protection Scheme Roll-Out

  • Promptly set up the Deposit Protection Scheme and introduce a legal definition of deposit to mean one month’s rent.

Receiverships, Repossessions and Buy-to-let Properties

  • Amend the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to clarify the respective rights and obligations of landlords, tenants and receivers.
  • Introduce a code of conduct for mortgage arrears in respect of buy-to-let properties.

 

For further information on our policy work please contact :

Annmarie O'Reilly, Threshold, 21 Stoneybatter, Dublin 7, Phone: 01.635 3604 or Email: annmarie.oreilly@threshold.ie

Threshold's Policy and Legal Officer positions are currently funded By Pobal. Pobal-Logo-190x90 Dept Housing, Planning, Community LG