> But the real killers with home ownership tend to be large expenses that come due all at once. All these expenses (plus a profit margin) are built into the re

> But the real killers with home ownership tend to be large expenses that come due all at once. All these expenses (plus a profit margin) are built into the rent, of course. Two ways the owner handles them: Either they have enough money saved that they can absorb the spikes in cost, or, they contract some maintenance plan they have to pay every month but smooths out the costs to avoid surprises.