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Testing for Discrimination in Rental Markets: Experimental Evidence from the UK

Author

Listed:
  • Koppensteiner, Martin Foureaux

    (University of Surrey)

  • Oliveira, Tania

    (University of Leicester)

  • Rohith, Nikitha

    (Coventry University)

Abstract

In this paper we provide novel insights on discrimination against immigrants in the UK rental market. We conducted a randomized-controlled trial close to a real-world setting where inquiries to view a property were made via phone inquiries with rental agencies and immigration background was signalled through non-UK accents. We document substantial discrimination against non-UK applicants with non-UK applicants having a 13 percent lower chance of securing a viewing for a rental. We also document substantial heterogeneous effects, with much more pronounced effects in local areas with a lower share of immigrants. We find that the background of agency managers or the composition of agency staff does not attenuate the effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Koppensteiner, Martin Foureaux & Oliveira, Tania & Rohith, Nikitha, 2022. "Testing for Discrimination in Rental Markets: Experimental Evidence from the UK," IZA Discussion Papers 15460, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp15460
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ahmed, Ali M. & Andersson, Lina & Hammarstedt, Mats, 2008. "Are lesbians discriminated against in the rental housing market? Evidence from a correspondence testing experiment," Journal of Housing Economics, Elsevier, vol. 17(3), pages 234-238, September.
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    12. Andrew Hanson & Michael Santas, 2014. "Field Experiment Tests for Discrimination against Hispanics in the U.S. Rental Housing Market," Southern Economic Journal, Southern Economic Association, vol. 81(1), pages 135-167, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zanoni, Wladimir & Díaz, Lina, 2024. "Discrimination against migrants and its determinants: Evidence from a Multi-Purpose Field Experiment in the Housing Rental Market," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • K37 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Immigration Law
    • R30 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Real Estate Markets, Spatial Production Analysis, and Firm Location - - - General

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