Discrimination, violence, and vulnerability in access to housing: university students at the National University of Asunción in the paraguayan rental market

Abstract

Paraguay lacks specific regulations governing the rental market and guaranteeing decent living conditions for tenants, which limits the full exercise of the right to housing. This situation particularly affects the university student population, which relies on renting to continue their studies in the metropolitan area. In this context, the objective of this study was to examine the discrimination, violence, and conditions of vulnerability that shape the experience of university students who are renters at the National University of Asunción in relation to the rental market in Asunción and the Central Department. An exploratory study was conducted using non-probability sampling and a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 126 student renters from the National University of Asunción. The results showed a predominantly young demographic: 11.2% were between the ages of 17 and 19, 39.7% between 20 and 22, 28.6% between 23 and 25, and 11.3% between 26 and 28; 89.7% were single, and 10.4% were married or living with a partner.  Regarding access to rental housing, 61.9% were asked about having children or pets, 24.6% were asked preliminary questions that affected availability, 31% were asked about drug use or visits from friends, and 51.6% faced contractual restrictions that affected their private lives. To a lesser extent, 9.5% were asked about illnesses or disabilities, and 7.1% about sexual orientation. Regarding housing conditions, although access to basic services was nearly universal (100% electricity, 99.2% running water, 90.5% natural light), deficiencies persisted: dampness (16.7%), unclean common areas (16.7%), failure to comply with safety standards (34.1%), and lack of maintenance (42.1%). Finally, 32% reported psychological violence and 5% reported physical violence perpetrated by landlords. In conclusion, the study group found itself in a vulnerable situation when renting, having to accept unilateral impositions that affected their privacy, dignity, and physical and psychological integrity, which reinforced the need for public policies and a Rent Law that guarantees dignified and non-discriminatory conditions.