Housing discrimination and minorities in European cities: The Catalan Right to Housing Act 2007

Purpose – This paper aims to consider, from a legal perspective, the problem of housing discrimination which has become an issue of increasing importance in Spanish cities, as in other European cities, especially in the light of recent waves of immigration. Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyzes the various types of housing discrimination and explains what legal reactions are available under European, Spanish and Catalan Law. Findings – The Catalan Right to Housing Act 2007 represents one of the first and most complete European legal reactions against housing discrimination. It includes several articles defining direct and indirect discrimination, harassment (which is considered a form of discrimination) and positive action. This Act must be understood as a national and sectorial application of the European Union (EU) antidiscrimination directives, specifically the Racial Equality Directive (2000/43/EC). Practical implications – The paper shows how EU antidiscrimination directives can be transposed into the domain of housing using a national example. Originality/value – Because Catalan Law is one of the first and most complete national legislations using European techniques to fight against housing discrimination, it could be used as an inspiration for future new national legislations.