| Sumario: | Housing discrimination remains a significant barrier to inclusive and equitable societies. While field experiments have documented discrimination against ethnic minorities, less attention was given to lived experiences during the housing search and the coping strategies individuals employ. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach to examine how perceived rental discrimination – encompassing personal experiences versus group-level perceptions, and experienced versus anticipated discrimination – influences the adoption of coping strategies among Belgians of North- and Sub-Saharan African origin. Drawing on 14 semi-structured in-depth interviews and being the first to analyse formal housing discrimination reports (N = 333) in Brussels, filed over the past five years with the Belgian Interfederal Organization for Equal Opportunities (Unia), this study uncovers key findings. Results reveal a discrepancy between perceived and objectively measured discrimination, with discrimination primarily attributed to realtors, not proprietors. The personal-group discrimination discrepancy is reaffirmed, explained by the subtle nature of discrimination, individual-level rationalisation and anticipated discrimination. Both active and passive coping strategies emerge, while willingness to report is low due to emotional factors, pragmatic barriers, perceptions of efficacy, and knowledge gaps. The findings underscore the need for a comprehensive policy framework addressing structural market shortages as well as an anti-discrimination policy extending beyond awareness-raising efforts.
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