New legislation is being considered in order to crack down on predatory landlords who exploit vulnerable tenants,  by propositioning them for sex in return for free or discounted rent.

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

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

Sex for rent is already illegal under the Sexual Offences Act, the call for evidence will look at whether these laws go far enough, or if new measures are needed to better protect vulnerable tenants.

Research by YouGov carried out on behalf of the housing charity Shelter, concluded that almost 1 in 50 female tenants has been propositioned for sex in exchange for free or discounted rent in the last five years - in England alone.

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.

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, with many struggling to pay rent, they become vulnerable to predatory landlords, and it is vital we put an end to this.

The call for evidence will last for 10 weeks and closes on 30th June 2023, it seeks the views of those who have been involved in sex for rent arrangements, 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.

For more info, or to take part visit:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/exchange-of-sexual-relations-for-accommodation-sex-for-rent 

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