To think some landlords can be incredibly cruel

[QuietQuestioner]

I know this won’t apply to all landlords and I’m not saying they’re all bad. But I’ve noticed that in some situations - particularly around repairs, notice periods or when tenants are vulnerable, landlords (or their agents) can behave in ways that feel needlessly harsh or lacking in basic empathy. I understand it’s a business relationship but sometimes the decisions made go beyond “businesslike” and into territory that feels unnecessarily cold.

AIBU to think there’s a cruelty problem in parts of the rental sector?

I don’t know about cruel, but they are usually extremely tight fisted and won’t replace anything unless they absolutely have too. I rented during my 20s and most properties I saw were absolute shit holes. They look ok on the website, and then you turn up and realise that the photos are about 15 years out of date.

I think rentals are better run by businesses who have the cash flow and contacts to properly maintain them. Not some boomer trying to top up their retirement fund.

Unethical, yes, but I'm not sure cruel is the right word.

Why single out the rental sector? If you buy a house and in anyway default on your mortgage, the banks don’t give a damn that you’re in an emotional state, or in fact about any issues you may have. They’ll have you out on your ear and then sell the property to the highest offer despite it being thousands under the market value!

And that's awful too but there's something particularly difficult about paying about twice someone else's mortgage, whilst unable to repair/decorate/ensure that people don't enter your home. It very much feels like being owned, rather than just your home being owned, by someone else.