The US Department of Justice is warning landlords not to ask for sex instead of rent from tenants struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
US Attorney Robert Brewer issued a statement on Monday reminding landlords that asking for sex is illegal and "despicable".
Brewer says the COVID-19 pandemic, and resulting stay at home orders across the country mean a lot of Americans are struggling and financially vulnerable.
"These losses have forced many to seek suspensions of their rent, with reports that nearly one-third of Americans were unable to pay their April rent at the beginning of the month."
While many landlords have been understanding of the plight of their tenants, there have been reports of some asking for sexual favours and "unwelcome sexual conduct".
"Such behaviour is not tolerated in normal times, and certainly will not be tolerated now," said Brewer in a statement.
"Criminal conduct, such as the exchange of sexual favours for housing benefits, will result in an indictment.”
The US has the most cases of COVID-19 in the world with more than 1,180,288 confirmed cases and almost 69,000 deaths.
