This is a strange way to say "market forces". If it were arbitrary, the landlord would exceed the price the market would bear and the home would sit vacant. O

This is a strange way to say "market forces". If it were arbitrary, the landlord would exceed the price the market would bear and the home would sit vacant. Otherwise, if you think the price is "too high" then the demand exceeds the supply. If you want the practice to fall, either demand must shrink, or supply must increase. Demand can shrink if more people live with roommates or family, or the local population declines. Supply can increase if we build more houses. Inflation means the landlord has to pay more for repairs and upkeep (both in labor and supplies). So, if the deal was "fair" before the increase in expenses, it sounds fair after the increase.