BELFAST, 17 June 2026: Housing Rights has been awarded funding from Tenancy Deposit Scheme Northern Ireland (TDS NI) to deliver a new participation project aimed at understanding the housing advice needs of older people in Northern Ireland.
The project will have a specific focus on older private renters, with findings used to inform and shape the future delivery of Housing Rights services.
Housing Rights Participation and Policy Lead, Kerry Logan comments
Housing Rights is delighted to have been awarded this funding to work with older people across Northern Ireland to understand their housing advice needs in order to shape the delivery of our services for older people.
Project overview
The project will be centred on the experience, insights and expertise of older people. Insights will be gathered through a survey and a series of focus groups. Alongside these findings, the project report shall also include:
- A review of existing research relating to the housing needs of older private renters in NI
- Insights from frontline staff in Housing Rights
- Insights from key agencies working with older people in NI
- Recommendations on how to ensure housing advice services are accessible and meet the needs of older people in NI
Issues facing older private renters
Northern Ireland has seen a steady rise in the number of older people living in the private rented sector, increasing from 4.9% in 2011 to 5.6% in 2021.1 It is estimated that this figure could more than triple by 2040.2
Given the insecurity of tenure, affordability issues and poor standards faced by many private renters, Housing Rights is concerned that these increases reflect growing pressure on a sector unfit to the needs of older renters.
A recent all‑island survey of private tenants highlighted significant challenges for older renters in Northern Ireland3:
- 70 % older renters aged 55+ are concerned that their landlord may end their tenancy
- 65% of private renters aged 55+ are struggling to pay bills and pay their rent
- Only 17% of private renters aged 55+ expect to become homeowners
Affordability issues faced by older private renters were further highlighted in the research with one respondent explaining,
We would have a small pension that we’ve managed to save up… so we wouldn’t be able to rent because we wouldn’t be able to afford it. So, the prospect of being homeless is huge.
Housing Right is aware that with the increase in older private renters, comes an increased need for accessible housing advice for older people. This is particularly important as the research found that older renters had the lowest levels of knowledge of their rights and responsibilities as private renters compared to younger age groups.4
For more information, please reach out to Housing Rights Participation and Policy Lead, Kerry Logan on [email protected] or call on 028 9024 5640 between Monday and Friday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.