The small vs. large landlord distinction is mostly immaterial. The behavior of landlords is dictated by their level of relative market power. When it too high r

The small vs. large landlord distinction is mostly immaterial. The behavior of landlords is dictated by their level of relative market power. When it too high relative to tenants they will start to fuck you over. It is guaranteed to happen unless there is a countervailing force to drive bad landlords into bankruptcy and let good landlords take over. The fact its a basic human need is also something of a red herring. So is food but we dont have abusive amateurs running that market. It functions. The problem with this market is that you can own largely untaxed land. Ownership of land inhibits competition in the rental market and drives dysfunction. It lets amateurs play in the same market as professionals and it richly rewards those with extra capital to spare to buy ever more desirable locations rather than rewarding those who simply do a better job at providing housing.