In the face of a severe housing crisis, a homeless woman in Australia has found a unique solution to her predicament. Emily Webb, a 25-year-old from the Gold Coast, has taken to using her “pretty privilege” to avoid paying rent, sourcing places to stay through dating apps like Hinge. This unconventional approach has sparked a mix of admiration and concern online.
Emily Webb’s Creative Solution
Emily Webb, an OnlyFans creator with over 100,000 followers, has found a way around rent. In a viral TikTok video, she revealed her strategy: using dating apps to find different men’s places to stay each night. She shared, “I can’t believe I’ve been wasting my money on rent all this time. Life hack: if you’re hot, don’t ever pay rent”.
Read More: I’m desperate to rent a house so I can see my new baby – but my face tattoos put landlords off
The Housing Crisis and Its Impact
The global housing crisis has hit young people particularly hard. Skyrocketing rents, subpar living conditions, and stringent requirements for securing a lease have made finding a home a daunting task. But the alternative is even worse: being homeless. This situation is even more challenging for self-employed individuals, who often need to pay several months’ rent upfront as a deposit.1
The Method Behind the Madness
Webb explained that she does not disclose her homeless status to the men she stays with, as she doesn’t want to put pressure on them. Instead, she capitalizes on her appearance to secure a place to sleep. “I don’t mention that I’m homeless and I don’t think I look homeless,” she stated. This method allows her to avoid being a burden on her friends while testing the limits of her so-called pretty privilege.2
Public Reaction
The public reaction to Webb’s approach has been divided. While some people admire her ingenuity against being homeless, others are concerned about her safety. Critics argue that staying with strangers is risky, and that Webb is exploiting her looks. One user commented, “This is a very dangerous game you’re playing,” while another added, “Careful staying with random people you know nothing about”.
Read More: Mom and daughter buy tent after being rejected by 70 rental homes
The Economic Reality
Despite her significant earnings from OnlyFans, Webb has remained homeless due to the brutal rental market. She has even offered to pay six to twelve months’ rent in advance but has had no luck. “I have so many friends on the Gold Coast, but I don’t want to overstay my welcome or be a burden, but I don’t mind being a burden to random men,” she explained.
The Limits of Pretty Privilege
Webb acknowledges that her current lifestyle is not sustainable in the long term. She is actively applying for apartments and hopes to find a stable place soon. In the meantime, she is enjoying her ability to leverage her appearance despite being homeless. “You’re only single and hot once and I love taking advantage of it anywhere I can,” she said.
Conclusion
Emily Webb’s story highlights the extreme measures some individuals are taking in response to the housing crisis. While her method is unconventional and controversial, it underscores the broader issue of housing affordability and availability. As Webb continues her search for a permanent home, her story serves as a testament to the lengths people will go to avoid being homeless.
Read More: “Granny Pods” Now Allow Your Aging Parents to Live in Your Backyard