An investigation by CBC Marketplace has brought to light a disturbing trend in the rental housing market: landlords offering free or discounted rent in exchange for sexual favors, a practice known as “sex-for-rent.” These propositions are often found on popular rental websites and disproportionately target vulnerable individuals, particularly young women facing financial difficulties.
The investigation revealed that some landlords exploit the housing crisis and tenants’ desperation by proposing arrangements that are not only unethical but also illegal. Legal experts emphasize that such agreements violate Canadian law, and tenants should not feel compelled to accept them under any circumstances.
Advocacy groups are calling for increased awareness and stricter regulations to protect tenants from these exploitative practices. They urge rental platforms to monitor and remove such listings promptly and encourage tenants to report any inappropriate propositions to authorities.
This exposé underscores the need for systemic changes in the rental market to ensure safe and fair housing opportunities for all individuals, free from coercion and exploitation.
Credit: This summary is based on findings from a CBC Marketplace investigation. The full article can be found here:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/marketplace/marketplace-sex-for-rent-investigation-1.7482710
