In a time when dating apps are primarily used for romance and social connections, one woman has found a completely unexpected way to use them—to secure a place to stay every night without paying rent.
Emily Webb, a 25-year-old from Australia’s Gold Coast, has sparked a heated debate online after revealing that she relies on dating apps like Hinge not to find love, but to find free accommodation. She claims her “pretty privilege” allows her to stay at men’s houses, avoiding the burden of rent entirely.
Her unconventional lifestyle choice has divided social media, with some people calling her strategy ingenious, while others fear for her safety and question whether this is an ethical approach to avoiding rent costs.
A Modern “Life Hack” or a Risky Gamble?
With rising rent prices making housing increasingly unaffordable for many young people, especially self-employed individuals, securing a stable place to live has become a major challenge.
Webb, who is active on TikTok and Instagram, shared her bold strategy, revealing that she no longer worries about rent because she has figured out a loophole using her looks and charm.
“I can’t believe I’ve been wasting money on rent all this time,” she said in a viral TikTok video. “Life hack: if you’re hot, don’t ever pay rent.”
Instead of signing a long-term lease or dealing with difficult landlords, Webb arranges dates with men through dating apps and then stays at their place overnight.
Does She Tell the Men the Truth?
While some may assume she warns her dates about her situation, Webb admits that she does not tell them she’s homeless.
“I don’t usually mention it,” she confessed. “I don’t want to put pressure on anyone, and I don’t think I look homeless.”
This revelation has led to polarized reactions online, with some people praising her for being resourceful, while others criticize her for misleading her dates.
Mixed Reactions: Social Media Is Divided
Webb’s approach to avoiding rent has triggered a wave of opinions across social media platforms. Some view her tactics as clever, arguing that she’s doing what she needs to do to survive without compromising herself.
One TikTok user supported her, saying:
“In times of crisis, you do what you have to do. She found a way to keep a roof over her head without sacrificing her dignity.”
Another even called her approach “genius”, saying:
“Honestly, this is kind of brilliant. If it works, why not?”
However, others are concerned about the risks involved in relying on strangers for shelter.
One user warned:
“This is so dangerous. You never know who you’re meeting. Relying on strangers from dating apps for a place to stay is incredibly unsafe.”
Another person expressed disbelief, saying:
“This is ridiculous. There are so many risks involved—it’s not a solution, it’s just delaying the inevitable.”
Her Justification: It’s Not a Long-Term Plan
Webb later addressed the backlash in an interview, where she explained that her approach isn’t meant to be permanent.
She defended her actions, saying that even though she has a successful OFs account with over 100,000 followers and earns enough to afford $1,000 per week in rent, she has struggled to secure a rental property due to landlords rejecting her applications, even when she offers to pay up to a year’s rent upfront.
She explained:
“I’m not in a rush. I can get a rental at any time—I’m just waiting for the right one. In the meantime, this works for me.”
“You’re Only Young and Hot Once”
For now, Webb remains unapologetic about her lifestyle choice.
“You’re only single and hot once,” she stated. “I love taking advantage of it wherever I can.”
While she acknowledges that some people disapprove of her strategy, she insists that she’s not stressed about her living situation and is comfortable with the way things are going for now.
“I’m just applying for apartments, and this gives me the freedom to be picky. I’m fine without a permanent place for now. I’m not extremely stressed.”
A Temporary Fix or a Dangerous Precedent?
Webb’s story has raised larger discussions about housing affordability, personal safety, and ethical responsibility.
While some people see her as an innovator, using modern dating culture to her advantage, others believe that her approach could encourage a dangerous precedent, where people misuse dating platforms for non-romantic purposes.
Additionally, safety concerns remain a major issue—relying on strangers for a roof over her head could put her at serious risk.
Whether people support or criticize her, one thing is clear—Emily Webb has captured the internet’s attention, and her story is sparking debate worldwide.