‘Husband rental’ services grow in Latvia amid shortage of men

Latvia, an EU country, is currently facing a serious gender imbalance as there are about 15.5% more women than men in the country, a gap roughly three times the average across the European Union. 

The imbalance becomes even more pronounced among the elderly, among people aged 65 and older, there are roughly two women for every man. 

Experts trace the shortage to lower life expectancy among men, higher rates of smoking, obesity, and other health or lifestyle issues among men have contributed to the imbalance. 

In response, a growing number of women in Latvia are turning to services that let them “rent” men,  not as romantic partners but as temporary handymen,  to help with household chores and minor repairs. 

Through platforms such as Komanda24 or Remontdarbi.lv, women can book workers to come by and do tasks like plumbing, painting, installing furniture or electronics, basically traditional “handyman” jobs. 

The services are strictly transactional: there is no romantic expectation or relationship implied.

The “husband” is hired for his skills, not as a partner.