When my partner and I split, he vacated our two-bedroom apartment. Fortunately, our separation was brief, and we reconciled just three weeks later. However, he had already signed a lease for a one-bedroom place and couldn’t return. Faced with the challenge of supporting my son and myself on a single income, I began searching for more affordable housing rather than cramming us into his new one-bedroom unit. I also believed that maintaining some independence would benefit our relationship.
One Sunday afternoon, while visiting him, I noticed the front door of the adjacent apartment was ajar. It was part of a quaint four-unit building with a charming yellow brick facade and a well-kept lawn. Curious, I stepped into the small entryway and discovered that the floors in the lower unit were being refinished. There, I met a man named Jason, the landlord, who was in his late 30s. He was conversing with the workers and seemed friendly.
We chatted for quite a while about my circumstances—being divorced with a young child and my boyfriend living next door. Jason was polite and took the time to answer all of my questions. He mentioned that he owned several properties in the area and appeared eager to find a new tenant quickly.
After a brief interview, he handed me an application, which I promptly filled out and returned before he left for the day. It felt like I had found the perfect place at just the right moment.
I moved in on the first of the following month, settling into the one-bedroom unit for $520—a bit more than my previous rent, but still reasonable for the neighborhood. During our brief meeting when I paid the first and last month’s rent, Jason provided his contact information for any future inquiries.
At first, I was pleased with my new home, despite having to give my son the bedroom while I squeezed my bed and dresser into the breakfast nook. Although money was tight, I was determined to manage my finances. I worked full-time at a daycare and took on shifts at a restaurant on weekends, already relying on food assistance. My boyfriend was supportive, but his situation wasn’t much better.
About four weeks after moving in, I was preparing to send my next rent payment when I realized I had misplaced Jason’s address. I texted him for the information, and he replied promptly. Then came a surprising follow-up message: “I’m at the bar down the street having a beer. Want to join?”
While it struck me as odd—knowing I had a boyfriend—I brushed off my discomfort, recalling he had mentioned being married. I responded that I couldn’t make it because I had my child that night, even though he was actually with his dad. I felt a need to avoid any potential awkwardness.
Then Jason sent another text that sent chills down my spine: “You know, I have a deal with one of my other tenants. She and I get together from time to time. You and I could work something like that out.”
Staring at my phone, I was taken aback. My mind raced, trying to comprehend what he was implying. I asked for clarification, hoping I was misinterpreting the situation.
He elaborated, “Like, she does me a favor, and I do her a favor with the rent. You know what I mean. :)” The casualness of his tone made it even more unsettling.
I paced my apartment, grappling with how to respond to such a shocking proposition from the person responsible for my housing. “So, you’re suggesting I could get free rent if I sleep with you?” I asked, my heart racing.
He replied, “You got it. No pressure. Just something I thought I’d throw out there. 😉”
I took a long time to respond, contemplating whether I should simply ignore him or stand up for myself. But I also realized that rejecting him could have consequences. Would he raise my rent or even attempt to evict me? He had all my personal information and knew my financial struggles.
After weighing my options, I finally texted back, “Nope, I’m good. Boyfriend, remember?”
I tried to act as if the conversation hadn’t affected me, even though it left me on edge. Thankfully, I didn’t see Jason often; he had several properties to manage. When we did encounter each other, we pretended the incident never took place. I completed my lease without further issues, but the encounter lingered in my mind, leaving me uneasy about what might happen next.
Unfortunately, many tenants face similar predicaments, especially during economic hardships. Some landlords exploit vulnerable individuals, coercing them into unethical arrangements. “We have seen an uptick in sexual harassment,” says Rachel Adams, legal director at a local fair housing agency. “Landlords have taken advantage of tenants’ financial struggles to propose illegal sex-for-rent agreements.”
If you find yourself in a precarious situation, know that resources are available. Legal aid agencies can provide assistance, and there are hotlines to report harassment and seek counseling.
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