Whether or not they should exist is basically irrelevant. They do and that’s not something we’re likely to see change. Also, sometimes renting is a better fit for people at certain phases of their life.

In exchange for a reasonable rent, a landlord is responsible for ensuring that the building is kept safe and well maintained and that any necessary repairs happen as quickly as is reasonably possible. What I’d really like to see is landlords being held accountable for failing to do so.