The tenants can do upkeep themselves, or pay people to do that. Rent-seeking can still exist even if the rent-seekers promise to do maintenance (which in reality they don't have much interest in doing, especially if it doesn't add value to the property). Tenants often have to live for months with broken ACs, appliances, because their landlords have no desire to upkeep temporary items. The yearly lease is signed, and they're getting their money.

[–] jj4211@lemmy.world 3 points 3 months ago

My first landlord sucked, my second landlord was ok, but I suspect most wouldn't be. They repaired everything in a timely fashion, and waived my rent for three months when I got laid off to let me get back on my feet. Still only made sense because I was in college and wasn't sticking around that area long enough to justify buying then selling a property, but for the context acceptable landlords can exist.