Focus Ireland calls for urgent increase in funding for Tenant in Situ purchases as eviction notices surge
Focus Ireland has today expressed serious concern at new figures showing a record surge in eviction notices in the first quarter of 2026, ahead of changes to rental rules introduced on the 1st of March. More than 7,000 notices were issued in the first three months of the year, marking a dramatic increase and the highest quarterly figure on record.
The charity warned that, while the increase had been widely anticipated in advance of the legislative changes, the scale of the spike highlights deep instability within the private rented sector and a growing risk of increased homelessness when these Notices start to expire later in the year.
Focus Ireland is calling on the government to respond with urgency by significantly increasing funding for Tenant in Situ (TiS) purchases to protect families and individuals renting with state supports like the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) who are at a very high risk of losing their homes and entering homelessness. Moreover, with the demand for emergency accommodation already at such high levels, there is a considerable risk that accommodation will not be available for households presenting to homeless services when these NoTs start to expire.
Mike Allen, Advocacy Director at Focus Ireland, said: “While this sharp increase in eviction notices was expected given the changes to rental rules, the scale of the rise is deeply concerning. It is clear evidence of the level of pressure now facing renters and the housing system.”
He added: “Government may argue this is a once-off adjustment as landlords respond to the new arrangements. However, if that is the case, it strengthens the argument for a once-off but substantial increase in Tenant in Situ funding to prevent families and individuals from entering into homelessness during this period.”
“A significant proportion of eviction notices continue to be linked to landlords intending to sell their properties, further reducing rental supply and increasing competition for available homes. Evictions in the private rented sector remains the biggest cause of family homelessness in Dublin”, he said.
Focus Ireland emphasised that without immediate intervention, many households receiving eviction notices will struggle to secure alternative accommodation, placing additional strain on homelessness services.
The organisation is urging Government to act decisively and urgently to expand preventative measures, protect vulnerable tenants to ensure that changes to rental legislation do not translate into long term increases in homelessness.