Warning to ‘predators’ as Cork senator’s sex-for-rent bill passes second stage

A bill brought by Cork Labour senator Laura Harmon to address the issue of sex for rent has passed second stage.

“The term sex for rent refers to a situation where landlords offer reduced or free accommodation in exchange for sex to prospective or current tenants,” she said.

She said that students, low-income workers, migrants, and those facing homelessness or fleeing domestic violence are often targeted, and “a power imbalance leaves renters susceptible to abuse”.

The ads can be on mainstream sites, and the wording can be hidden with descriptions such as “must be open-minded” or “can negotiate on price”, Ms Harmon said.

She added: “It’s not until written messages are exchanged or you view the room that what’s on offer becomes clear — it can be very scary.

“Ireland’s current legal system lacks specifics to address this adequately. This legal void allows perpetrators to operate with relative impunity, leaving victims with limited avenues for redress.”

The bill would prohibit importuning sex for rent and advertising for it, with penalties including — on summary conviction — a class A fine and, on indictment, a fine up to €50,000.

“The new minister for justice has a real opportunity to send a message to predators that this behaviour is not acceptable, you will face consequences,” Ms Harmon said.

She also called on the Government to legislate for the bill before the next college term. “The housing crisis is the backdrop in which these predators are operating.”

It follows a recent report by the Irish Council for International Students, which showed that one in 20 international students in Ireland is being exposed to proposals of rent-free accommodation in exchange for sex.

The bill has been welcomed by the National Women’s Council. Its violence against women co-ordinator, Ivanna Youtchak, said that it “puts a much-needed spotlight on the devastating impact of sex-for-rent exploitation on vulnerable women and the urgent need to criminalise this”.