Double punishment: the racial discrimination in Europe’s rental housing market

The Guardian recently published an article titled "Double punishment: the racial discrimination in Europe’s rental housing market," authored by European community affairs correspondent Ashifa Kassam. This piece sheds light on the pressing issue of racial discrimination in the rental housing market across Europe, particularly affecting people of color and ethnic minorities.

The article begins with a poignant example from Augsburg, Germany, where Hamado Dipama, originally from Burkina Faso, encountered blatant discrimination when trying to rent an apartment that specified “Germans only.” This incident highlights the systemic discrimination that racialized minorities face in the housing market, especially during a time when many European cities are grappling with a housing crisis. Campaigners argue that this crisis disproportionately impacts people of color, leading to what they describe as a "dual crisis" of access and income inequality.

According to a 2017 EU-wide survey involving 25,500 individuals from immigrant or ethnic minority backgrounds, nearly 25% reported experiencing discrimination in housing over the previous five years. This discrimination ranged from being denied viewings to outright rejections based on their ethnic background. Furthermore, studies conducted in France and Spain revealed that individuals with North African or sub-Saharan names received significantly fewer responses to housing inquiries compared to those with traditionally European names, emphasizing that discrimination often persists regardless of financial stability.

The article discusses how this racial discrimination intersects with economic challenges, as many minorities are already at a higher risk of poverty. Magda Boulabiza from the European Network Against Racism describes this issue as a "tentacular octopus," where racism contributes to precarious employment and educational segregation, making it harder for these groups to secure adequate housing. The neoliberal market has commodified housing to the extent that minorities struggle to meet high rental prices, and even when they can afford them, they often face discrimination.

The article also notes the alarming trend of far-right political parties scapegoating migrants and minorities for the housing crisis. For instance, politicians like Marine Le Pen in France perpetuate narratives that blame immigrants for the shortage of housing, despite evidence suggesting that these communities are victims of systemic discrimination. As housing prices soar, misconceptions about migration being the cause of the crisis have led to increased popularity for far-right parties, which complicates the situation further.

The ramifications of this discrimination are significant. For instance, migrants face challenges in family reunification due to housing requirements, which are often difficult to meet due to discriminatory practices. Additionally, legal recourse for discrimination is fraught with difficulties, often resulting in protracted and costly battles that distract from the immediate need for housing.

In conclusion, the article emphasizes that while some individuals, like Dipama, have successfully challenged discriminatory practices in court, the broader issue remains pervasive. The fight against racial discrimination in housing continues, as many landlords now employ more subtle methods to camouflage their discriminatory intentions.