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The impact of renter protection policies on rental housing discrimination

Author

Listed:
  • Marina Mileo Gorzig
  • Deborah Rho

Abstract

We examine the impact of a policy that reduces information about rental housing applicants on racial discrimination. We submitted fictitious email inquiries to publicly advertised rentals using names manipulated on perceived race and ethnicity before and after a policy that restricted the use of background checks, eviction history, income minimums, and credit history in rental housing applications in Minneapolis. After the policy was implemented, discrimination against African American and Somali American men increased. Triple difference analysis shows that discrimination increased in Minneapolis relative to St. Paul after the policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Marina Mileo Gorzig & Deborah Rho, 2026. "The impact of renter protection policies on rental housing discrimination," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 44(1), pages 186-206, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:coecpo:v:44:y:2026:i:1:p:186-206
    DOI: 10.1111/coep.12704
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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