A new law is being considered to crack down on predatory landlords exploiting vulnerable people for sex in return for free or discounted rent.

The government is seeking views of victims, police and charities as part of a call for evidence to better understand the scale and nature of ‘sex for rent’ in the UK.

A statement from the Home Office describes ‘sex for rent’ as an arrangement where landlords exchange accommodation for free or at a discount in return for sexual relations with their tenants.  

This is in any case already illegal under the Sexual Offences Act, and landlords can already be prosecuted for attempting to engage in sex for rent.

The call for evidence will look at whether these laws go far enough, or if new measures are needed to tackle the issue and better protect vulnerable people from harm.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman says: “It’s wholly unacceptable that vulnerable people, and particularly young women, are being exploited in ‘sex for rent’ arrangements. This is an abuse of power which puts people in desperate situations and has no place in our country.

“The launch of this public call for evidence brings us closer to ending this deeply harmful trend and better protecting victims.

“And it is another example of how this government will not stop in our efforts to bring more sexual and domestic abusers to justice.”

According to research by polling company YouGov, carried out on behalf of the housing charity Shelter, nearly one woman in 50 in England has been propositioned for ‘sex for rent’ in the last five years.

The call for evidence, which will last for 10 weeks, seeks to gain the views of those who have been directly engaged in a ‘sex for rent’ arrangement whether they were deceived, coerced, or compelled into it.

Safeguarding minister Sarah Dines adds: “While advances in technology have brought us closer to family and friends, they can also make it easier for perpetrators to prey on vulnerable individuals, including through so-called ‘sex for rent’ arrangements.

“Our pioneering Online Safety Bill will ensure social media companies take greater action in order to protect their users – but we must continue to expand our understanding of these harmful practices and what more can be done to protect those who need it.”

Deputy Chief Constable Dan Vajzovic, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Prostitution and Sex Working, adds: “This call for evidence is a welcome opportunity to hear from victims and stakeholders on the reality facing women. With many struggling to pay rent, they become vulnerable to predatory landlords, and it is vital we put an end to this.

“Violence against women and girls in all its forms is abhorrent. Policing is going after the violent and abusive men who commit these crimes. This call for evidence offers a first step towards helping vulnerable victims of this behaviour, please come forward.

“If you are ever in danger, please call 999, you will be listened to and taken seriously.”

The call for evidence seeks the views of those who have been involved in a sex for rent arrangement, whether they entered into it in an informed and consensual way or were deceived, coerced or compelled.

It also seeks the views of statutory agencies, law enforcement organisations, internet companies that allow the posting of advertisements for accommodation, and charities and other organisations concerned with violence against women and girls.

You can see the government announcement here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/exchange-of-sexual-relations-for-accommodation-sex-for-rent