In my (UK-centric) experience it is largely the rental companies that make renting a nightmare. Back when I was a renter I would always look for private landlor

In my (UK-centric) experience it is largely the rental companies that make renting a nightmare. Back when I was a renter I would always look for private landlords when moving house as they were often more reasonable and responsive. Big rental companies would respond slowly, issue exorbitant fees, demand professional end-of-tenancy cleaning, and screw you on pre-existing damage if you don't point it out in time.