Labour moves to outlaw “sex for rent” exploitation
Labour moves to outlaw “sex for rent” exploitation - The Labour Party
Labour’s Senator Laura Harmon has today (Tuesday, April 1st) published the Prohibition of Advertising or Importuning Sex for Rent Bill 2025, which seeks to criminalise the act of soliciting sexual services in exchange for a reduced rent or in lieu of rent. The Bill, launched at Leinster House, introduces a fine of up to €50,000 for landlords or individuals convicted of advertising rental spaces under such terms.
Senator Harmon said:
“While we all know of rogue landlords using the housing crisis as an opportunity to make a quick buck, I am increasingly aware of a growing trend of people using nothing short of predatory tactics to demand sex from tenants in lieu of rent. This is not just exploitation – it is abuse, and it must be stopped.
“The housing crisis has permeated every section of our society. Many of our friends, family, and loved ones are struggling with insecure housing, astronomical rents, and the complete lack of affordable homes to buy. The failure of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to address the crisis of our times is obvious in every city, town, and village. But there is also an unseen side to this crisis – one that preys on the most vulnerable.
“Take a look at any of the leading rental platforms. You’ll rarely see it committed to print, but once someone enquires about a property, the seedy text messages start—suggestions of sharing a bed, or an expectation of sex in return for shelter. This is an appalling abuse of power, and it must be outlawed. My Bill will cover all forms of communication in terms of these ads and all electronic communication.
“Those who engage in this behaviour are calculated in their approach. They predominantly target migrants and young people, as highlighted by the Irish Council for International Students. And as more young people experience the hard edge of the housing crisis, this kind of exploitation is only growing.
“A report by the National Women’s Council last year highlighted the prevalence of ‘sex for rent’ arrangements, showing that some landlords are shamelessly exploiting marginalised women, particularly those at risk of homelessness. This is a disgraceful reality in modern Ireland—forcing women to choose between giving sex in lieu of rent or sleeping on the streets.
“There has been no shortage of lip service from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil on tackling this growing crisis, but as in most aspects of their work, there has been little actual action. Minister McEntee promised to address this issue through the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023, with amendments, but this failed to materialise. Given that the Minister for Housing has renters squarely at the bottom of his to-do pile, the onus now falls on Minister Jim O’Callaghan to end this practice once and for all.”
The Prohibition of Advertising or Importuning Sex for Rent Bill 2025 has been co-sponsored by Senator Nessa Cosgrove, Senator Malcolm Noonan, Senator Patricia Stephenson and Senator Laura Harmon, as leader of the Cross-Party group.
Link to full Bill: https://labour.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Prohibition-of-Advertising-or-Importuning-Sex-for-Rent-Bill-2025.pdf