The Civil Society Coalition for the Implementation of Sex for Rent Legislation– which incudes the Irish Council for International Trainees (ICOS)– praised the development of Crook Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026, which will bring in a brand-new offence making it prohibited to advertise and provide lodging in exchange for sex.The practice disproportionately impacts worldwide trainees and other groups susceptible to housing insecurity.
The legislation is presently working its method through your houses of the Oireachtas after a round of amendments. The Union noted that, while its own recommended modifications had actually not been adopted, it recognised the weight of protecting “this long-overdue security” and hailed those bringing it into force.
It follows ICOS research study published in 2015 that found as lots of as one in 20 global students in Ireland had actually been used or seen a space for rent in exchange for sex.
Brian Hearne, policy and interactions manager at ICOS said that the Bill would “send out a crucial message that exploiting someone’s requirement for real estate can not be endured and will have legal repercussions”.
“Acknowledging ‘sex for lease’ as a particular criminal offense is a significant advance and shows the reality faced by many renters who have been targeted because of their real estate scenario,” he said. “We need to guarantee the legislation is backed by efficient enforcement, clear reporting pathways and support for those affected, so that its securities are realised in practice.”
Recognising’ sex for rent’as a particular criminal offense is a considerable step forward and reflects the truth dealt with by numerous occupants who have been targeted due to the fact that of their real estate situation
Brian Hearne, ICOS
Ireland’s real estate crisis is being felt acutely throughout the country, increasing rental costs while demand soars. International trainees are especially vulnerable to unsafe or exploitative real estate plans due to an absence of purpose-build trainee accommodation, on top of having to grapple with a currently competitive rental market.
The Union said it believes that the brand-new legislation needs to be brought in together with useful steps such as support for victims, training for frontline firms, security for those residing in informal rent-a-room arrangements, as well as “robust action” cracking down on exploitative adverts appearing on online platforms.
“The success of this legislation will also depend upon efficient implementation, public awareness, and ensuring that victims have the ability to access the assistances and securities they require,” it stated. “Continued collaboration across justice, real estate and online security will be vital to guarantee the law achieves its designated function.”
National Women’s Council executive director Corrinne Hasson observed that the Irish housing crisis together with increasing violence versus ladies had produced “the ideal conditions” for exploitative rental situations.
“So this legislation is truly essential for ladies, particularly those in precarious housing,” she said. “We hope that, with correct enforcement, reporting paths, and support, it will go a long way to securing women from sex for rent exploitation.’
Barbara Condon, CEO of Ruhama, a Dublin-based charity that offers across the country support to women impacted by prostitution and other forms of business sexual exploitation said: ‘We need to keep the momentum going and offer defense and paths to security for ladies currently living in a situation of sex for lease exploitation. For these their home– the place they need to feel best– is a hostile and harmful environment and this can’t be tolerated in a country that makes every effort towards absolutely no tolerance to domestic sexual and gender-based violence.’
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