Discrimination testing: call for applications from associations working to promote integration through housing

Opens in new windowSince 23 October 2023, an AIPL can carry out discrimination tests at the request of the DIRL.

Proactive testing aims to detect discrimination by private and public landlords and by real estate agents.

The DIRL is authorised to carry out "mystery shopper" and situation tests.

In the first case, the tester makes a discriminating request to a landlord or real estate agent to check the legality of their response. If the real estate agent accepts the request, they are demonstrating a prohibited discriminatory practice.

In situation testing, no discriminating request is made, but a test profile and a control profile are used, which differ only based on a protected criterion. These tests compare whether test and control profiles are treated similarly or unequally.

Send your application to the DIRL by email at discri.dirl@sprb.brussels

An application for approval to carry out discrimination tests may be submitted at any time.

Before starting your mission, you will first attend a training course organised by the DIRL on, among other things, the different forms of discrimination, the lease contract, the rights and obligations of the different parties, situational scenarios, etc., for which you will receive a certificate of attendance.

To have legal value as evidence of discrimination and be used in administrative proceedings, tests must be carried out according to a well-defined methodology.

Discrimination tests are prepared and subsequently reported on according to a method established in collaboration with the DIRL.

AIPLs who carry out at least ten discrimination tests a year will be awarded a subsidy of 5,000 euros (Opens in new windowOpen in a new windowsee Article 3 bis of the Decree of 14 September 2023).

Email the Discrimination Unit at the following address: discri.dirl@sprb.brussels