The NWC said the Government had been 'on notice' about the issue for years

NWC calls for legislation to criminalise sex for rent

by · RTE.ie

The National Women's Council has reiterated its call for legislation to criminalise 'sex for rent'.

A report published in May by the NWC showed the housing market in Ireland had created "a perfect environment" for the exploitation of tenants.

It highlighted advertisements by prospective landlords offering discounted or free accommodation in return for sex.

The NWC is briefing politicians on the report at Leinster House this morning in an effort to see legislation outlawing sex for rent exploitation prioritised before a general election.

Its director, Orla O'Connor said the Government had been "on notice" about the issue for years, and legislation to tackle it was due to be included in the Sexual Offences and Trafficking Bill.

She said Budget 2025 provided little reassurance that the housing crisis would be tackled in any meaningful way and this was the underlying context in which sex for rent happens.

Watch - RTÉ Investigates: Sex for Rent
What I heard as an undercover renter: 'Cash... or some other way'