Discrimination in Housing in Iceland
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Icelandic Acts of the Althingi, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Icelandic law prohibits discrimination in housing and rental markets:
- Protected grounds (Act No. 85/2018): Race and ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, reduced capacity to work, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics.
- Gender equality (Act No. 150/2020): Prohibits gender-based discrimination across all areas of society, including housing.
- Both direct and indirect discrimination are prohibited — a neutral rental policy that disproportionately disadvantages a protected group may be unlawful.
When does it apply?
- You are applying for rental housing or are a current tenant.
- A landlord, letting agent, or housing provider refuses to rent to you, sets different terms, or treats you less favourably based on a protected characteristic.
What to Do If a Landlord Discriminates Against You in Iceland
- Document the discriminatory conduct — save communications, advertisements, and witness accounts.
- File a complaint with the Equality Complaints Committee (Kærunefnd jafnréttismála).
- You may also pursue a claim through the courts.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume discrimination is lawful — even private landlords are bound by anti-discrimination law.
- Don't accept discriminatory terms — different deposit amounts or lease conditions based on nationality, for example, are unlawful.
Common Questions
Is housing discrimination illegal in Iceland?
Yes. Act No. 85/2018 prohibits housing discrimination based on race, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, reduced capacity to work, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics. Act No. 150/2020 separately prohibits gender-based discrimination. Both direct and indirect discrimination are prohibited, including neutral rental policies that disproportionately disadvantage a protected group.
Can a private Icelandic landlord discriminate?
No. Even private landlords are bound by anti-discrimination law. Refusing to rent to you, setting different terms, or treating you less favourably based on a protected characteristic is unlawful. Different deposit amounts or lease conditions based on nationality, for example, are not permitted. Document the discriminatory conduct and keep communications, advertisements, and witness accounts.
Where do I report housing discrimination in Iceland?
File a complaint with the Equality Complaints Committee (Kærunefnd jafnréttismála). You may also pursue a claim through the courts. Gather evidence first — save messages, adverts, and notes on conversations, and secure witness accounts when you can. Letting agents are covered along with owners, so complaints can target either.
When does it apply — discrimination in housing?
You are applying for rental housing or are a current tenant.A landlord, letting agent, or housing provider refuses to rent to you, sets different terms, or treats you less favourably based on a protected characteristic.
What should I do if I believe a landlord rejected my rental application due to my nationality or another protected characteristic in Iceland?
Document the discriminatory conduct — save communications, advertisements, and witness accounts.File a complaint with the Equality Complaints Committee (Kærunefnd jafnréttismála).You may also pursue a claim through the courts.
What should you NOT do — discrimination in housing?
Don't assume discrimination is lawful — even private landlords are bound by anti-discrimination law.Don't accept discriminatory terms — different deposit amounts or lease conditions based on nationality, for example, are unlawful.