All-Island Collaboration: Surveying the Experience of Private Renters

What was the main focus of the collaboration? 

Threshold and Housing Rights collaborated to conduct an all-island survey of private renters to gather comparable data and enhance both organisations’ understanding of renters’ experiences across the island. By generating comparable insights, the collaboration aims to identify issues of commonality and consistency, informing advocacy efforts and helping to progress change for private renters in both jurisdictions. 

How did it come about? 

Housing Rights and Threshold undertake similar work on either side of the border and have a history of attending and participating in each other’s events. Over time, informal conversations highlighted opportunities for collaboration and mutual learning. These discussions evolved into formal meetings to identify a suitable project for joint work, ultimately leading to the all-island survey initiative. 

What did you do together? 

Both organisations agreed to conduct an all-island survey of private renters and applied for grant funding from the Shared Island Civic Society Fund. Following a successful application, the research project commenced in January 2025. As of now, the project is in its final stages, with topline findings scheduled for publication on 26th November at the Housing Rights Private Rented Sector conference. 

What were the successful parts and what impact did you see or measure? 

A key success was securing the grant, which allowed the project to get off to a strong start. The teams collaborated effectively, sharing skills and experience in coordinating a research project of this scale. To date, a significant amount of data has been collected, providing valuable insights into the experiences of private renters and informing advocacy work. The analysis and ensuing discussions have deepened understanding of how historical policies, geography, and societal norms shape renters’ experiences north and south of the border. Further impact is expected once the final report and recommendations are published. 

What ran smoothly? 

Regular communication and follow-up on agreed action items were crucial. Weekly meetings ensured that the project stayed on track. Team members were open to asking questions and raising concerns while respecting each other’s knowledge and expertise, contributing to a genuinely collaborative working environment. 

What didn’t go well and what learnings did you harvest? 

Maintaining the project timeline was challenging, particularly given the number of actors involved, where one delay could affect multiple downstream activities. The teams had to continuously assess what was achievable within the available timeframe, balancing the project’s needs with each organisation’s other commitments. 

What barriers, challenges, or other points of learning did you identify? 

The collaboration itself ran smoothly, with both teams conducting themselves professionally and respectfully. Everyone approached the project with a willingness to learn from each other. A key learning for future large-scale projects is the potential value of appointing a dedicated project manager to make timely decisions on behalf of the group and manage the overall schedule more efficiently. 

What opportunities for future collaboration did you identify? 

The project is ongoing, with the full report, publication of findings, and an all-island tenant forum yet to take place. Once these elements are complete, both organisations aim to explore further joint actions and collaboration. 

https://threshold.ie/ 

https://www.housingrights.org.uk/