I heard this on the radio about 6 months ago. There have been several cases of guys advertising free rent in exchange for sex and houswork in the newspaper want-ads. The courts have tried going after themfor soliciting prostitution, but I haven't heard an update about what has happened in court.
The Defendants argument is quite simple: This is a common socila arangement that is often struck up in singles bars. A successfull man with a nice place to live simply wants a woman to have sex with and do some chores around the house. Most likely he doesn't have the time to invest in a proper relationship. The young woman is likely short on cash and is going to school or isn't making much money. The relationship allows her to finish school while having a much nicer place to live thatn she would normaly have.
Since it's perfectly legal to strike up this kind of bargian in a singles bar, what is the problem with advertising it in the paper or on the net ??
This is prostitution, i.e. offering of sex for good and services. The legal status of prostitution varies from place to place. In my state it is legal. So long as all the elements of a valid contract are fulfilled, such a contract even if made orally is considered valid.
The question is prostitution legal in the state or city this case took place? If not the contract is not enforceable.
The only doubt I have is wither a guy offering accommodation in return for sex is legal as opposed to a woman offering sex for payment of cash.