Concerns expressed about garden homes rentals

A housing charity has this week raised some concerns about so-called garden homes ending up in the private rental sector.

Although recognising the urgent need to increase housing supply, Threshold has concerns about the potential unintended consequences of the Government’s proposed changes to exempted development regulations (like garden homes), as outlined in their recent public consultation submission.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has outlined a proposal to exempt a detached habitable accommodation unit to the rear of a dwelling within its private boundary.

Threshold warned on Monday of the risk of these developments entering the private rental sector market without, what it called, robust safeguards or planning standards, as well as the elevated risk of elder abuse in such arrangements.

To mitigate against any unintended consequences from the new changes, Threshold is calling for a rights-based, comprehensive regulatory framework that protects tenants, supports vulnerable older people and maintains national housing quality.

Minister for Housing James Browne has, in the past, said this new measure is not to expand the private rental market but those at Threshold said its their strong belief many of these units could be rented out without the usual planning or safety frameworks, or tenancy protections, in place.

Speaking on the proposed changes, Threshold’s National Advocacy Manager, Ann-Marie O’Reilly said: “We recognise the urgent need to increase national housing supply.

“However, it is crucial that efforts to address housing supply do not inadvertently undermine housing security or even undermine the intended benefits of the increased supply itself. Tenant protections, housing quality and appropriate protections for older family members are necessary.

“Modular units like garden homes require clear regulatory frameworks and minimum living standards, especially if intended as long-term dwellings. Potentially placing more people into the private rental market without the protections of the Residential Tenancies Act is not a result anyone wants to see. We look forward to working closely with the Government over the coming months to ensure that a rights-based approach to housing quality and the highest level of tenancy protection is entrenched in this proposal for exempted developments,” she said.