In that case (owners raising prices), who would want this? To renters it has the character of investment: pay more money today, for a possible payout in the fut

In that case (owners raising prices), who would want this? To renters it has the character of investment: pay more money today, for a possible payout in the future. I don't think typical renters want this. They're renting in part because they opt not to invest in real estate. They choose not to shift costs to the present.