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I didn't realize how much I hated landlords until I realized that most of the planet are paying other peoples mortgages

I've seen many people complain about it. But I don't really understand. What's the problem? Having moved recently to a new country, I wouldn't be able to live without landlords Banks wouldn't accept lending money to me. And I'm not sure I want to stay here forever either.

I specifically mentioned landlords with mortagages. They fundamentally increase the price of housing for others. Many areas where the cost of rent matches, or exceeds that of a mortgage. Including the Bay Area.

But they have a mortgage to pay when you don't. They are absorbing the risk for you. If you suddenly lose your job or want to relocate, you can. But if you had a mortgage, you wouldn't be able to.

That isn’t how it works in the UK, you don’t sign a simple rolling contract. You’re tied in for 6-12 months at minimum. Breaking those contracts can be difficult, expensive, and bad for your future renting prospects. Hardly risk free.

A lease contract is how it's worked in all the countries I've lived in. Renting is absolutely not risk free and most of the landlords I've had were awful. It was all about maximum return on investment, they have a mortgage to pay after all! Cheap out on repairs etc.

So because you've had bad experiences, it's alright to generalize. I'm landlord & I have always given my tenants a discount on their rent compared to the going rate in the area. I've also recently reduced it by $500 during this crisis without any intention of recouping that cost.