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Breaking barriers: a field experiment to explore discrimination in housing for people with moving disabilities

Author

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  • Evangelos Mourelatos
  • Elias Oikarinen

Abstract

This study investigates discrimination against tenants with moving disabilities in the rental housing market using a correspondence test and fake application letters. A field experiment with two scenarios was conducted in the Finnish market, and five fictitious household tenants were compared. The findings reveal a clear association between the presence of disabilities in the household and increased discrimination. This discriminatory behaviour persists irrespective of whether the necessary refurbishments to accommodate the disabled tenant’s needs would be covered by the tenant or the landlord. Male landlords are the primary contributors to this discriminatory behaviour, especially regarding direct discrimination. The results obtained from our study are clear, indicating a pressing need to address and mitigate discrimination against tenants with moving disabilities in the rental housing market.

Suggested Citation

  • Evangelos Mourelatos & Elias Oikarinen, 2026. "Breaking barriers: a field experiment to explore discrimination in housing for people with moving disabilities," Oxford Economic Papers, Oxford University Press, vol. 78(1), pages 211-232.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:oxecpp:v:78:y:2026:i:1:p:211-232.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/oep/gpaf027
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    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • R31 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Real Estate Markets, Spatial Production Analysis, and Firm Location - - - Housing Supply and Markets

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