This week national housing charity Threshold has launched its annual Own Your Rights campaign, highlighting the rights and protections available to individuals renting in the private sector.
Now in its sixth year, the nationwide campaign is aimed at empowering renters, teaching them about their rights and informing them about the supports available when they contact Threshold’s free advice service. It will run from 5 – 16 October.
Compared with the same period in 2025, Threshold has supported 2,200 more households so far this year, an increase of 12%. Of the 20,388 households Threshold has supported so far in 2026, over 59% – or 12,117 – were at risk of homelessness due to issues such as tenancy termination.
In Galway, Threshold has supported 2,101 households since January 2026, of which 1,367 were at risk of homelessness. During the same period in 2025, the charity supported 1,686 households, including 1,292 at risk of homelessness.
On a national basis, the number of new households getting in touch with Threshold, who were at risk of homelessness has also risen, from 5,965 in the same period last year to 6,767 in 2026. Since the beginning of the year, Threshold has prevented 3,360 households from entering homelessness by providing free and confidential advice, aiding in mediation between tenants and landlords, and representing renters in RTB adjudications and tribunals. In Galway, Threshold has prevented 473 households from entering homelessness so far in 2026.
Launching this year’s Own Your Rights campaign, Threshold’s Campaigns Officer Cat Clark said: “The annual Own Your Rights campaign is one of our flagship campaigns, designed to make private renters across Ireland more aware of their rights and of Threshold’s role in supporting them.”
“With continued pressures in the private rental market, it is more important than ever that renters understand their rights, know where to turn for advice and feel confident seeking support when they need it.”
“We encourage all renters in Galway to reach out to our team of advisers with any questions they may have. Our free advice service is here to provide practical support and guidance, whether someone is contacting Threshold for the first time or has spoken to us before. We want renters to know they are not alone”
The two-week Own Your Rights campaign will also include a complete takeover of Threshold’s social media platforms, offering renters a chance to test their knowledge of their rights through polls, as well as introducing some of the advisers at the other end of the Freephone helpline on regional radio.
The charity has created a series of podcast episodes hosted by Housing Advisor Iris Munkki, which answer frequently asked questions renters have for Threshold advisers, and is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Threshold’s helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am- 9pm at 1800 454 454, with webchat at www.threshold.ie/get-help/
