New report sheds light on racial discrimination in PRS

People from ethnic backgrounds are more likely to be ignored when looking for accommodation in the private rented sector, new research claims. 

A new study by Generation Rent reveals white people are 36% more likely to receive a positive response when applying to rent on SpareRoom than black people.

The organisation created two fake profiles using artificial intelligence on the rental website. The only differences in their details were their names and skin colour.

Concerning to see racism and discrimination at play

Within minutes of each other, both accounts submitted enquiries to more than 200 property adverts across the country.

The research also reveals the white profile was 17% more likely than the black profile to receive any response at all.

In one example the same message was sent by both profiles enquiring about a room in a townhouse.

“Hi there, I’m interested in the property, could I arrange a viewing please?” it read.

The white profile, named Lizzie, received this response: “Hi Lizzie, can you tell me a little about how long you would be looking for the room, do you work local etc. Many Thanks.”

The black profile, called Zuri, received a different message stating simply: “Hello, sorry it’s just been let.”

Tilly Smith, campaigns and partnerships Officer at Generation Rent said: “It is extremely concerning to see racism and discrimination at play, preventing people of colour from accessing safe and secure housing.

“The lack of homes for minority ethnic renters to move into is not only extremely stressful and distressing when looking for somewhere to move or when facing eviction, but also forces many to have to endure poor conditions in the properties they can get access to.”

Homes people deserve

Ms Smith says the Renters’ Reform Bill will help protect people from ethnic backgrounds.

“The Bill will grant renters in England much-needed security in their homes, which will be extremely beneficial for renters, especially people of colour.

“However, until there are enough affordable and social homes for people to live in, biases – whether unconscious or not – will continue to deny people the homes they deserve.”

In a statement to Sky News, SpareRoom said its “discrimination policy states nobody can discriminate against or reject someone due to their race.

“We look into every single report of discrimination we receive and investigate thoroughly – if we find that racial discrimination has occurred we’ll remove the user permanently.”

Shortage of rental stock

In response to the Generation Rent report, Propertymark say they are extremely disappointed by the findings.

Nathan Emerson, chief executive officer, at Propertymark said: “Propertymark are extremely disappointed to see Generation Rent’s findings. No one should ever feel they are being discriminated against under any circumstance.

“As the shortage of available rental stock compared to the increasing demand continues to see less choice available, it is important we are openly talking on the matter and understanding such issues to help get them resolved in the wider society, giving everyone an equal opportunity against the backdrop of a frustrated rental market.”

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