Charity Warns Landlords Misissuing Eviction Notices Over New Rental Reforms

Threshold, a tenants’ support charity, has expressed extreme concern over landlords wrongly issuing eviction notices due to confusion about new rental reforms. Ann-Marie O’Reilly, Threshold’s advocacy manager, clarified that changes introduced in March 2024 only apply to new tenancies from March 1, 2026, and no tenant should be evicted under this legislation.

Threshold also raised concerns about «constructive evictions,» where landlords neglect properties, forcing tenants out. If such moves are deemed voluntary, landlords can reset rents to market levels for new tenants. O’Reilly noted that the ability to reset rents between tenancies (if a tenant voluntarily leaves) or after six years could price low-income renters, especially those on Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), out of the market. She urged HAP limits to be increased in line with market rates.

Between January and March this year, Threshold supported over 10,000 households. Termination of tenancies was the top issue, with 46 percent of new clients contacting them after receiving an eviction notice. The charity prevented 899 households (1,189 adults, 905 children) from homelessness. Jasmine Ryan, Threshold’s training lead, highlighted the emotional toll of the housing crisis, noting tenants feel «lost» due to housing scarcity and unaffordability. The new rules restrict «no-fault» evictions for small landlords and prohibit them for larger landlords (four+ properties). Annual rent increases are capped at inflation or 2 percent, whichever is lower, except for new apartments and student accommodation, which are restricted by the consumer price index.