ASSESSMENT OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST SINGLE ADULTS AT TENANTS SELECTION IN AKURE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET

Abstract

Discrimination against single adults in finding a suitable and well located apartment has been found to be increasingly difficult nowadays. Hence, this study assessed discrimination against single adults at tenants selection in Akure residential property market with a view to promote attitudinal change towards single adults thereby ensuring an unbiased tenant selection. To achieve this aim, the study assessed the characteristics of tenants in property management portfolio of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Akure at the commencement of their tenancy, examined the tenants selection criteria used by Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Akure residential property market, analysed the factors responsible for discrimination against single adults in Akure residential property market and evaluated the challenges of discrimination against single adults at tenants selection in the Akure residential property market. Data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires on Estate surveying and valuation firms in Akure and Single adults. Data were analysed descriptively and inferentially. The study revealed among others that there was statistically significant difference in the tenants selection criteria used by Estate Surveyors and Valuers for single prospective tenants and married prospective tenants in Akure of which only employment (p < .05, z = 0.026) and ability to pay subsequent rent (p < .05, z = 0.042) were significant. Irrespective of marital status, tenants’ ability to pay the required rent is not the first selection criteria considered at tenant selection but their employment. Default in the payment of rent, unemployment, undefinable movements, susceptibility to crime and immorality and default in the payment of utility bills and service charge were extracted as the factors that influence discrimination against single adults at tenants selection. The study recommended that ESVs should develop an appropriate tenants selection criteria which will synchronize the selection criteria used for both married and single prospective tenants.