Seen At 11: Rental Services Offering Companions For A Price

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Whether you're looking for the date of your dreams, want to show up your ex, or want a hunk to escort you to the opera, there are companions that are available -- but for a price.

"I don't know about other people, but for me, I don't have too many friends who look like 6 feet tall models and can talk about politics and travel, and are very good as arm candy," said Sara Shikhman, chief executive officer of Rent a Gent.

But as CBS 2's Kristine Johnson reported, a date with the men from Rent A Gent will set you back $200 an hour.

Renting men and women as dates is one of a growing number of new services that offer companions for just about any reason or occasion.

"As far as rendering services like personal training, and cooking, and being a handyman, that is definitely legit, and that is what a woman should expect from me -- legit professionalism," said Rent a Gent Chris Mazyck.

But can women expect anything else?

"We only have one rule -- there's no sex of any kind," said Shikhman.

One woman named Melanie recently rented Anthony, the entrepreneur, for an hour of personal training at the gym, and they went to happy hour.

"My primary purpose was as a mood boost," she said. "The undivided attention of a man was what, you know, I was looking for a brief amount of time, and that's what I got."

Rentables, including Rico and Chris, can be a dinner companion, make an ex jealous, even be the handyman of your dreams, Johnson reported.

"That's how you get your money's worth, really. It's just being in the moment with someone and enjoying, like, genuinely enjoying their company," said Rent a Gent Rico.

Companionship is also the name of the game at another company called Rent a Friend. Instead of an hourly fee, they charge monthly, or a yearly subscription that costs less than $100.

"I've had renters ask me to go to Broadway shows, concerts, movies; someone asked me to go shopping," said a woman named Lorraine, who is for rent in New York.

Relationship expert Dr. Jane Greer said spending time with a rented date can actually be a stress free way to beat the blues.

"You don't have to pretend to be somebody that you're not. You can be true to your own needs and your real self. You don't have to worry and stress out, 'Am I going to hear from this person again?'" Greer said.

"Just friendship, good times, fun, and you go home separately," Lorraine said.

Both services said they have an extensive interview process and do background checks on all the men and women that they offer for rent.

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