Labour will launch a new bill to ban ‘sex for rent ads’ today.

The party wants to see fines of up to €50,000 for those found guilty of advertising rental accommodation in return for sex.

It said the ads are mainly targeted towards young women and migrants who are in danger of being exploited during the housing crisis.

Labour Senator Laura Harmon, who is introducing the bill, said the ads are written in ambiguous ways which can catch out desperate renters. 

“They’ll say things like, ‘Must be up for sharing a bed’, ‘Must be up for having fun in the house’, ‘Must be open-minded’, ‘Must be willing to negotiate in terms of rent’,” she said. 

“It’s sometimes when you visit the properties then that actually it’s said to them or they will get creepy text messages which will outline what they really mean.” 

A National Women's Council report last summer found women were often forced to choose between sexual exploitation and homelessness.

Senator Harmon outlined the penalties she wants for anyone convicted of engaging in this practice. 

“It would effectively introduce a Class A fine of up to €50,000 for ads displayed on websites but also through electronic communication means - text messages, emails, social media or any offers that are made,” she said. 

“I think it would act as a deterrent for those predators who taking advantage of vulnerable people in our rental sector.” 

Current legislation

Last week, the Department of Justice published a review of the  Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 which banned people from purchasing sex. 

It found there are “significant barriers” to the effective implementation of the law. 

The Sex Workers’ Alliance, who argue for full decriminalisation, argued that the review failed to listen to those who work in the industry and that there is “extensive evidence that sex workers are harmed by these laws.”

Main image: A stressed and depressed young woman. Picture by: Fahroni / Alamy Stock Photo