The role of vb&t Verhuurmakelaars in the fight against discrimination in the housing market

Discrimination in the Dutch housing market remains a persistent problem. Following a 2022 study by the Verwey-Jonker Institute, it was found that many housing intermediaries still do not take a tough approach to preventing discrimination on the housing market. vb&t Letting Agents is working hard against discrimination and preventing acting on prejudice during the selection process thanks to innovative systems.

An objective allocation process

The systems of vb&t Letting Agents are based on two important criteria, namely length of registration and income. By using these criteria, the organisation avoids the risk of unfair treatment based on personal characteristics such as gender, age, ethnicity or background. This gives all house seekers an equal chance of qualifying for housing.

Discrimination in the housing market

Marginalised groups still face discrimination in the housing market too often. People with a foreign name are at least up to 22% less likely to be invited for a viewing, according to a 2022 study by the Verwey-Jonker Institute. Samples also show that many housing intermediaries are willing to respond to discriminatory requests from clients. Only 16% of housing intermediaries clearly indicated their unwillingness to cooperate with discriminatory requests during the samples. Members of trade associations, such as the NVM, discriminate less often than non-members.

A fair rental process

vb&t Verhuurmakelaars has been actively committed to a fair rental process for years. Transparency and equal opportunities are central to the organisation's core values. For example, vb&t Verhuurmakelaars supports the 'Transparency of initial rents' covenant and the organisation provides potential tenants with full information about the properties. With the entry into force of the Good Landlord Act on 1 July 2023, vb&t Verhuurmakelaars has also adjusted its working methods where necessary to remain compliant with laws and regulations. Furthermore, all employees have recently attended a course on forms of discrimination in the housing market and how to prevent discrimination.