Sex for rent:
It is known as “sex for rent” when predatory landlords exploit tenants for sex rather than monthly rent. It counts as sex for rent if they use any sexual act as payment in any way, whether for reduced or free rent.
Sex for rent is illegal or not:
Sex for rent is illegal under the Sexual Offences Act, and landlords can be prosecuted for attempting to engage in sex for rent.
According to research by polling company YouGov, carried out on behalf of the housing charity Shelter, nearly 1 in 50 women in England have been propositioned for ‘sex for rent’ in the last five years.
New law to prevent landlords from preying on vulnerable tenants:
The home secretary has unveiled a new law to prevent predatory landlords from taking advantage of vulnerable tenants for sex in exchange for free or reduced rent. To determine the extent of “sex for rent,” to determine whether the existing laws are sufficient to address the problem, and to determine whether additional measures are required, a public call for evidence has been launched. Evidences will be taken from views of victims, police & charities.
A government priority is to tackle sexual exploitation and violence against women and girls. In order to make sure that women and girls are safe everywhere—at home, online, at work, and on the streets—a cross-government strategy for tackling violence against women and girls was issued in July 2021.
Funding to support victims:
Additionally, the home office is closely collaborating with Women’s Aid to allocate £300,000 for one-time payments of £250 to victims of domestic abuse, with the amount increasing to £500 if the victim is pregnant or has children.
The money was given to help victims leave abusive relationships. It will help victims pay for necessities like groceries, diapers, sanitary products, and rent on their previous home while they are in a shelter, or it could be used as a deposit for new housing when they leave the shelter.
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