Discrimination in the private rental market in Australia: large families from refugee backgrounds

Securing appropriate housing is a crucial component of resettlement for people with refugee experience, but many face challenges in securing private rental housing, including discrimination, particularly large families. This paper explores and asylum seeker experiences discrimination the market through in-depth semi-structured interviews refugees seekers from families (N = 22), service providers 18), community leaders 4), real estate agents 11) lessors 10). Interviews were thematically analysed. The analysis identified pervasive nature discriminatory practices affecting asylum-seeking families, though it was not always recognised as discrimination. Market factors risk assessments highlighted contributing to how agents’ lessors’ working definition manifested their tenant selection practices. While some sought counter practices, significant impact evident poses important policy practice questions.