Discrimination in Housing: Study Highlights Racial Disparities from Rental Market to Neighborhoods

A new report from the German Center for Integration and Migration Research (DeZIM) has revealed persistent racial discrimination affecting individuals seeking housing in Germany. The comprehensive study, conducted in collaboration with Immoscout24, Germany's largest online real estate platform, indicates that the likelihood of receiving a positive response to a rental application is significantly influenced by the perceived ethnic origin of applicants' names.

The research utilized fictional applicant profiles with comparable socioeconomic backgrounds to assess outcomes in the rental market. Profiles with German-sounding names had a 7-percentage-point higher chance of obtaining a viewing or rental offer compared to those with names suggesting origins from the Middle East, North Africa, or Turkey (MENAT). Socioeconomic status and the presence of children were also noted as factors influencing landlords' decisions, but ethnic background emerged as a consistent determinant.

The DeZIM report extends beyond initial rental applications, highlighting that discriminatory practices persist throughout the entire housing experience. According to survey data, 35% of Muslim respondents and 39% of Black respondents reported being excluded from apartment viewings due to perceived discrimination. In contrast, only 11% of respondents not marked by racial or religious identifiers reported similar experiences. The study defines 'racially marked' individuals as those self-identifying as Black, Muslim, or Asian.

Further findings reveal that individuals facing racial discrimination are more likely to live in overcrowded conditions, insecure rental arrangements, and properties with substandard living conditions, such as mold infestations. Environmental data also indicates that these groups are disproportionately exposed to higher levels of nitrogen pollution, which correlates with increased rates of respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.

The report identifies a pattern of compounded disadvantage. Not only are racially marked individuals more likely to be denied access to housing, but those who secure accommodation often face higher living costs. The study found that 37% of these individuals spend over 40% of their income on housing--a figure seven percentage points higher than for applicants not marked by race or religion.

Researchers emphasize that these disparities are not isolated but intertwined, forming a complex web of inequality that spans housing access, affordability, and environmental quality. The report calls for a comprehensive approach to address these challenges, including stronger legal protections against discrimination, improved monitoring, and more affordable housing initiatives. Recommendations include revising the General Equal Treatment Act to enhance its effectiveness, implementing regular anti-discrimination testing at the municipal level, and increasing public investment in affordable housing.

The findings are based on data from the National Discrimination and Racism Monitor (NaDiRa), which conducts representative surveys with robust participation from groups experiencing racial discrimination. The Monitor adopts a nuanced understanding of racism, recognizing that it often manifests subtly and can be embedded in institutional practices, not just individual actions.

In response to the report, policy recommendations suggest the establishment of a nationwide monitoring system for discrimination and the introduction of stricter anti-discrimination laws, including measures that would shift the burden of proof and allow for collective legal action. These interventions, coupled with expanded affordable housing programs, are positioned as essential steps to ensure equitable access to quality housing for all residents.