Research in Contemporary Economic Policy indicates that well-intentioned renter protection policies may actually increase discrimination against certain minority races and ethnicities.
The research applies to a policy implemented in Minneapolis that limits the use of background checks, eviction history, and credit scores on rental housing applications. Investigators submitted fictitious email inquiries to publicly advertised rentals using names manipulated on perceived race and ethnicity before and after this policy was implemented.
After the policy was implemented, discrimination against African American and Somali American men increased. Also, discrimination increased in Minneapolis relative to its “twin city” St. Paul, where the policy was not in effect.
Although ads requiring specific credit scores or banning applicants with criminal records fell dramatically after the policy went into effect, restricting information on individual applicants appeared to have caused landlords to rely more on stereotypes and increased discrimination against Somali American and African American renters. In most cases, the landlord simply did not respond to inquiries from such applicants.
“Policymakers in Minneapolis aimed to expand access to rental housing for individuals previously excluded due to criminal records, credit history, or income. Our research suggests that while the policy may have lowered these specific barriers, limiting the information available to landlords increased discrimination based on race and ethnicity,” said corresponding author Deborah Rho, MA, PhD, of the University of St. Thomas.
URL upon publication: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/coep.12704
Additional Information
NOTE: The information contained in this release is protected by copyright. Please include journal attribution in all coverage. For more information or to obtain a PDF of any study, please contact: Sara Henning-Stout, newsroom@wiley.com.
About the Journal
First published in 1982, Contemporary Economic Policy publishes scholarly research and analysis on important policy issues facing society. The journal provides insight into the complexity of policy decisions and communicates evidence-based solutions in a form accessible to economists and policy makers. Contemporary Economic Policy provides a forum for debate by enhancing our understanding of key issues and methods used for policy analysis.
About Wiley
Wiley is one of the world’s largest publishers and a trusted leader in research and learning. Our industry-leading content, services, platforms, and knowledge networks are tailored to meet the evolving needs of our customers and partners, including researchers, students, instructors, professionals, institutions, and corporations. We empower knowledge-seekers to transform today’s biggest obstacles into tomorrow’s brightest opportunities. For more than two centuries, Wiley has been delivering on its timeless mission to unlock human potential. Visit us at Wiley.com. Follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Journal
Contemporary Economic Policy
Article Title
The Impact of Renter Protection Policies on Rental Housing Discrimination
Article Publication Date
9-Jul-2025