There are lots of valid reasons besides "I can't afford to buy" to rent. I've been a renter for most of my life because I liked the freedom of being able to mov

There are lots of valid reasons besides "I can't afford to buy" to rent. I've been a renter for most of my life because I liked the freedom of being able to move to a new area (either locally, or in an entirely new region) with little hassle. I'm a homeowner now, but I was renting even when I could afford a house. In an economic downturn many people get stuck with a house that's underwater and unable to sell while also needing to look outside of the area for a new job. Also, if your income (or family size) changes, its a lot easier to trade up (or down) when you rent than when you own. Instead of mandating that everyone buy a house whether they want to or not, I'd rather see renter protections, particularly in capping rent increases.