Gender Discrimination in the Rental Housing Market: Conceptual Ideas and Empirical Evidence from Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the complex issues surrounding gender discrimination in the rental housing market in Lagos, Nigeria. It investigates the reasons for gender preferences alongside the immediate reactions and responses of female tenants who experienced rental housing discrimination, which frequently manifests as higher rent demands, unfavourable lease terms and outright denial of housing, among others. The mixed methods study used instruments that were tested for reliability and validity, with copies of the questionnaire being served to real-estate practitioners and interviews conducted with female tenants to develop evidence-based policy recommendations for addressing gender discrimination and promoting equitable access to rental housing in Lagos State. Thus, the study makes an important contribution to the discourse of gender discrimination. Given the cultural roots of such discrimination, the study suggests the need for an awareness campaign targeting diverse actors within the housing market. The study noted that the Nigerian government has enacted laws to protect women's rights in housing, implementation remains a challenge. Therefore, promoting gender equality in housing requires the concerted efforts of government and the collective resistance of civil-society organisations and the private sector.