Sex-for-rent adverts appear online despite law banning them coming into effect this month

In recent weeks, advertisements have been placed offering rooms to female renters at low prices with the option of discussing 'arrangements'. 

New advertisements have surfaced online offering sex-for-rent arrangements despite legislation to outlaw them commencing at the start of this month.

The Department of Justice is now urging people who become aware of such offers to make a report to gardaí.

Offering or advertising accommodation in exchange for sexual activity is a criminal offence under the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act. 

It follows an investigation by the Irish Examiner, which found a number of online accommodation advertisements for sex-for-rent arrangements in December 2021.

In recent weeks, advertisements have been placed offering rooms to female renters at low prices with the option of discussing “arrangements”. 

One advertisement, which was regularly repeated and which has since been taken down, offered accommodation to a “submissive” woman “who would like to trade in return for lodgings”.

A spokesman for the Department of Justice said the activity should be reported to gardaí. 

“Any attempt by accommodation providers to exploit their position and target vulnerable individuals through such arrangements is entirely unacceptable. It represents a serious abuse of power by unscrupulous individuals and will not be tolerated under any circumstances," the spokesperson said. 

Corrinne Hasson, executive director of the National Women’s Council, called for a public information campaign “so that women know they can make a report to gardaí if they receive an exploitative offer of sex for rent”.

Labour senator Laura Harmon said it “is deeply concerning” such ads continue to appear despite the commencement of the legislation.