Tuesday, 27 January 2026: National housing charity Threshold, and Northern Ireland's leading housing advice charity Housing Rights, have today launched an all-island research report entitled “Renting on the Island of Ireland: An All-Island Survey of Private Rented Sector Tenants” at the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission office in Dublin. The research was resourced by a grant from the Shared Island Civic Society Fund of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The report represents the first survey of its kind, using a large survey alongside in-depth interviews, together the views and experiences of private renters in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to identify key issues facing renters across the island.
Security of tenure
Overall, over a quarter of renters surveyed as part of the all-island research feel uncertain about their housing security, with those in the Republic of Ireland having a more pessimistic outlook about their future situation. Compared to 17% in Northern Ireland, 30% of renters in the Republic of Ireland reported that they feel either uncertain or very uncertain about remaining in their current accommodation due to high or rising rents, tenancy terminations and poor housing standards. Northern Ireland renters reported their top concern as unaffordable rents and rent increases, closely followed by landlord-initiated tenancy termination. In both jurisdictions, older renters are more likely to report concern that their landlord may end their tenancy, with 73% of those aged 55 or over in Republic of Ireland and 70% in Northern Ireland citing this worry. Among those approaching retirement, the ability to meet rent increases due to a fixed income remains a key issue.
Rental experience
The rate at which people move from one property to the next is considered as ‘churn’ in the rental market. The new all-island research shows a shorter tenancy duration in the Republic of Ireland, with the average number of years lived per property around 3.1 years compared with 4 years in Northern Ireland. Indeed, the average number of years per rental property among Dublin-based respondents is significantly lower (at 2.8 years), although this could be motivated by choice and employment opportunities in the capital.
Overall, private renters in the Republic of Ireland see a greater proportion of their income spent on rent. On average, tenants spend approximately 37% of their net income on rent in the Republic of Ireland and 32% in Northern Ireland. While arrears levels are similar, there is some variation in the drivers. Unexpected bills and rent increases feature more prominently for renters in the Republic of Ireland while a change in family circumstance was a more significant driver of arrears in Northern Ireland.
A notable difference between renters in both jurisdictions is the relationship between income and time spent renting. In Northern Ireland, there is an inverse relationship between income and longevity in the rental sector: meaning higher earners tend to spend less time renting. By contrast, looking at income breakdown of renters, those on high incomes in the Republic of Ireland have spent the most time renting, with those earning over €80,000 having rented for an average of 12.2 years. The high cost of renting and purchase prices in the Republic of Ireland may be pricing lower-income households out of the private rental sector while keeping higher-income renters renting for longer.
Renting due to necessity and not choice
The new research shows that most people rent out of necessity rather than by choice. Across the island of Ireland, the most common reason for renting is that renters cannot afford to buy a home (53%), followed by those renting until they can buy their own home (23%). In the Republic of Ireland, almost 6 in every 10 of current renters (57%) say they are renting because they cannot afford to buy, compared with 1 in 4 (44%) in Northern Ireland. Renters in Northern Ireland are also more likely to describe renting as a matter of choice (16%, compared to 10% of renters in the Republic of Ireland).
Over the ten years since July 2015, private rents in the Republic of Ireland have increased by over 100% (effectively doubling), while Northern Ireland saw a 74% rise over the same period. The qualitative research found that people want a secure home that they can afford – whether buying or renting – across both jurisdictions. This is currently not provided in either part of the Island.
Speaking at the report launch, Threshold CEO John-Mark McCafferty said:
“This new report gives us important insights as to the situation of private renters across the island of Ireland, providing crucial data to help inform well-designed policy and legislation so that private renters have secure, affordable and good quality homes. It also lays bare the reality for many renters in the Republic: many report renting out of necessity rather than choice, feeling insecure in their tenancies, frequent moves while renting for longer and further into adulthood.
“We welcome the proposed changes to deliver the security renters deserve, due to take effect on 1 March. However, how rent increases are treated will be pivotal – if rents can reset to market levels at different intervals, any gains in security could quickly unravel if households are priced out of their homes and out of the market. We look forward to working with the Government to help stabilise the rental sector, adopt proven safeguards, target affordability and to protect particularly high-risk groups.”
Kate McCauley, CEO of Housing Rights said:
"As partners working North and South, Housing Rights and Threshold are focused on preventing homelessness and improving outcomes for renters by tackling the most pressing issues in both housing systems. We share a core belief that everyone is entitled to a safe, secure home. This research equips policymakers with the evidence to shape better legislation and policy so renters can have better rental security and more housing options.”
Dr Kevin Cunningham, author of the report and Founder of Ireland Thinks, said:
“The report reveals a predictability gap: renters in the Republic of Ireland face compounding price volatility, and heightened termination anxiety, while Northern Ireland’s comparatively steadier conditions still leave too many unsure of their footing. The policy lesson is that design matters, but credible enforcement, clear rules on rent changes and terminations, and fast, trusted redress are what restore day-to-day certainty.”
Threshold’s service is available by phone, Monday to Friday, 9am-9pm at 1800 454 454, or online at www.threshold.ie/get-help to any private renter in need of advice and support.
For renters in Northern Ireland, Housing Rights’ housing helpline is available by phone, 028 9024 5640,and online chat from Monday to Friday 9:30am-4:30pm. Specialist housing advice and information is also available online at their website: https://www.housingrights.org.uk/housing-advice
The full report is available here: Renting on the Island of Ireland: An All-Island Survey of Private Rented Sector Tenant.
Kate McCauley — Chief Executive