Older people renting privately in Northern Ireland are facing a combination of insecurity, rising costs and unsuitable housing that risks becoming a major social issue in the years ahead, according to a new report published today by the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland.
The research highlights how older private renters experience age-specific challenges in the private rented sector, leaving many exposed to financial strain, poor living conditions and the threat of losing their home.
Currently around 17,600 people aged 65 and over in Northern Ireland are private renters, but the report warns this number is growing and could increase significantly by 2040, transforming what is now a largely overlooked ‘hidden housing’ issue into a significant societal challenge.
The report finds that older renters face:
- The insecurity and high costs of the private rental market
- Combined with the lower incomes, health challenges and mobility needs that come with ageing
Unlike younger renters, older people often have limited ability to increase their income, leaving them particularly exposed to rising rents.
At the same time, many require specific types of housing such as ground floor properties or adapted homes which are in short supply in the private rented sector. Currently private landlords are under no obligation to either make or enable necessary adaptations.
The report also highlights the psychological impact of housing insecurity, noting that the threat of eviction can be especially distressing in later life, when stability and the ability to settle are most important.
Social housing, traditionally a safety net for older people, has become increasingly difficult to access.
Demand now far exceeds supply, with long waiting times and growing competition, leaving many older renters with few realistic alternatives to the private sector.
Key findings
The report identifies a range of challenges facing older private renters, including:
- Weak security of tenure, with the possibility of eviction at short notice
- Rising and unpredictable rents, often outpacing pension income
- Higher levels of fuel poverty
- Barriers to home adaptations, even where they are needed for health or mobility
- Higher levels of poverty and financial strain, particularly for those living alone
With Northern Ireland’s population ageing, the report warns that the number of older private renters is set to rise significantly.
If current trends continue, tens of thousands more people could be renting privately in later life within the next two decades.
The report cautions that without action, the challenges faced by today’s older renters are likely to become a mainstream social issue affecting future generations.
Speaking about her report, the Commissioner for Older People, Siobhan Casey, said: “This report shines a light on a group that up until now, have been overlooked.
“Older private renters face a unique and deeply concerning set of challenges. They are navigating an insecure and increasingly expensive housing market at a stage of life when stability is most important.
“At the same time, many are living on fixed incomes, managing health conditions, and in homes that do not meet their needs.”
The report calls for action to strengthen protections for private renters and ensure housing is safe, secure and suitable for an ageing population.
Recommendations include:
- Ending no-fault evictions, meaning landlords would not be able to evict tenants unless they had a statutory ground.
- Tackling age discrimination in housing with a duty on landlords to make reasonable adjustments.
- Improving minimum energy efficiency standards for all rented properties.
The Commissioner concluded: “The number of older people affected is growing and it could grow significantly in the years ahead.
Without action, we risk seeing far more people facing insecurity and hardship in later life.”
Voices from older private renters as featured in the report:
“They can give you notice any time. You live frightened to complain as private rent homes are getting more expensive and you can be given notice to move out.”
“The landlord wanted his house back after us living there for five years, putting good wood floors down and getting the house painted. We had two months to leave. Heartbroken. Affected me very badly.”
“I would have been happy there for the rest of my life. It was a ground floor flat, with lots of other well-behaved elderly people. It was nice…about three days before Christmas, which is a bit cruel, he gave me my notice.”
“I actually hate reporting faults, because then I feel the landlord might evict me or increase my rent.”
“I have mobility difficulties, but the landlord would not give permission for the bath to be taken out and replaced with a disability shower or any other adaptations to the property.”
