The national housing charity Threshold has dealt with more than 5,000 webchat queries since it first introduced that service six months ago.
During the COVID-19 pandemic the housing charity has been dealing with an average of 41 webchat queries per day.
Commenting on the figures, Western Regional Services Manager at Threshold, Karina Timothy said: “Since we had to close our doors to face-to-face consultations last March, we have been faced with many challenges in terms of how we deliver our service safely.
“We have made sure to diversify our service offering in response to the environment that we find ourselves in, so that we can continue to maintain the quality service that renters the length and breadth of the country are accustomed to.”
“Whilst our offices remain closed and face-to-face consultations are currently not possible, the development of our webchat service has proven to be very successful as we deal with an average of 41 queries a day.”
More than a quarter of queries to Threshold via this service have been to do with eviction notices, while another 26% related to leases.
Another 14% of calls related to deposits, 11% were concerned with standards and repairs in housing, and 6% were about rent reviews.
“While the protections introduced in 2020 have provided relief to many, it is clear to see that they have not made renters’ problems disappear altogether,” Karina Timothy said.
“We would appeal to any renter in distress to avail of Threshold’s webchat service or freephone helpline.”
Threshold’s webchat operates Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5pm via threshold.ie.
Threshold’s freephone helpline remains available Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm at 1800 454 454, and via its website at https://www.threshold.ie/advice/help for any renter in need of advice or support.
