Housing stigma: the effects of wrongful conviction and mental illness

We examined potential housing discrimination against exonerees with mental illness in the Canadian rental market. We sent inquiries to landlords advertising apartments online across Canada, using six prompts that varied in whether they mentioned a criminal record and/or a mental illness. Results revealed that landlords were less likely to respond to inquiries and indicate the availability to individuals who mentioned having a criminal record. Exonerees’ treatment was like that of individuals who had been rightfully convicted. Landlords were also less likely to respond and reply that an advertised unit was available when a prospective tenant mentioned having a mental illness. Furthermore, reporting a mental illness intensified the negative effects associated with having a criminal record. These findings demonstrate continuing barriers in housing access for individuals with criminal justice involvement and mental illness, highlighting ongoing stigma and discriminatory behaviour faced by exonerees as well as people with mental health conditions.