The Secret Cost of Housing

CBC Marketplace uncovered numerous rental ads soliciting sex in exchange for housing, particularly targeting young women and international students. Investigators found both overt and covert listings on platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, with many landlords explicitly confirming their expectations. Legal experts and advocates warn that such arrangements exploit power imbalances and could lead to coercion or trafficking. Brampton Councillor Rowena Santos has been pushing for stronger protections, including stricter landlord regulations and action against predatory ads. Law enforcement and advocacy groups urge victims to report cases, emphasizing the need for enforcement to deter such exploitation.