Recently, the classification website Craigslist surprised a large number of vulgar Victorian rental ads, many indecent landlords specifically aimed at backpackers, suggesting that rent and other fees can be waived, as long as the tenant "meat" can be paid.
Melbourne-based local media reported that a series of creepy Melbourne landlords were found on classified advertising sites such as Craigslist and Locanto, blatantly advertising tenants willing to "go to bed on a regular basis in exchange for free rental".
In an Craigslist ad, a 50-year-old Bayside male landlord seeks a female backpacker as a tenant. "No specific 'payment' is mandatory, but I would appreciate it if you were willing to offer any form of visual, tactile or other pleasure," he said.
In another pornography rental ad, the landlord left a message: "as the title suggests, you can rent your own private room for free and waive all the bills, as long as you sleep with me on a regular basis. Ladies are only allowed to apply. "
Another CBD landlord in Melbourne, who did not reveal his gender, advertised: "stay free, male only, and just follow me on a regular basis with make love."
The media also found that many desperate tenants also posted rent-seeking ads on the classified ad sites, saying they would rather be "sex slave" as long as they could get free accommodation.
Tenants Union of Victoria spokeswoman Devon LaSalle said that there are no provisions in the Victorian Residential Tenancy Act that deal with gender issues in the lease agreement.
LaSalle said that Victorians are working hard to find rental housing, and the rental competition is extremely fierce, leading people to resort to this means.
She said the state government pledged in October to eliminate the practice of bidding for rent.
"the median rent has soared 75 percent over the past decade, while the median income has increased by only about 38 percent," she said. "potential tenants will no longer be able to stand it."
Carolyn Vos (Carolyn Worth), a spokesman for the Southeast Anti-sexual assault Center (South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault), also warned people not to be attracted to such ads.
"it could put backpackers and others in a very dangerous position, and eventually they could be locked up in a room for months. As for backpackers, they may be at greater risk because they are unfamiliar in Australia. " Said Voss.
She urged the state government to address the housing affordability crisis.
"you can hear stories like this all day long, especially when homeless people are abused and assaulted in boarding houses, making them more vulnerable." She said.
Victoria's Consumer Affairs Director, Marian Kelutz (Marlene Kairouz), said she condemned any use of rent-seekers. "We have announced the biggest lease equity reform in Victorian history, including cracking down on rental bids."
The media have contacted the state police for advice.