ALONE Responds to the Residential Tenancies Bill 2026

ALONE supports core measures in the Residential Tenancies Bill 2026 but calls for safeguards around market rate rent

ALONE, the national organisation supporting older people to age at home, has welcomed key protections in the Residential Tenancies Bill 2026, while warning that some measures may unintentionally harm older renters, one of the fastest growing and most at risk groups in the private rental sector.

ALONE has welcomed the Bill’s strengthened security of tenure, with six-year minimum leases offering vital stability for older people who need to remain close to community, support services, and family. The organisation also supports restrictions on ‘no fault evictions’ and the introduction of a Rent Price Register, which will bring greater transparency for tenants.

 

However, ALONE has raised significant concerns about allowing rents to reset to market levels for new tenancies from 1 March 2026.  This change could disproportionately affect older renters on fixed pensions and those relying on HAP, especially given the ongoing shortage of rental properties within HAP limits and increasing competition in the market.

 

ALONE also warns that reforms could accelerate landlord exits, shrinking supply and driving rents higher – without any Government analysis of the Bill’s potential impact on rent inflation.

 

Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, said, “We welcome stronger protections and transparency for tenants, but older renters remain at real risk of being priced out of their communities. Without safeguards, rising rents will push those on fixed incomes into deeper housing insecurity.”

 

He added, “Government must ensure that these reforms protect those most at risk. We would urge that Government publish analysis on the potential impact of the reforms. Older people cannot absorb sudden rent increases, and unless we address supply and affordability together, this crisis will worsen.”

 

ALONE continues to highlight the growing challenge facing older renters, including an 83% increase in older renters since 2022, declining homeownership, and rising homelessness among people aged 55+ across the country. ALONE’s research with Threshold also shows that 42% of older renters experience significant stress due to instability of tenures.

 

“We must not overlook people over 60 when considering the rental market, particularly the uniquely vulnerable position many retired renters face.  Affording current market rents after retirement is nearly impossible as it is and research shows this create a reluctance in the private sector to rent to over 60’s.  We look forward to the HAP review due in June and an increase focus on social housing and housing choices for older people.” Mr Moynihan concluded.

 

Older people who need support can contact ALONE’s National Support and Referral Line on 0818 222 024, available from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.