The other thing they don't get is that they basically enable the "evil landlords" that they are trying to control. Because when rent caps and onerous, overbearing rules are enacted, the good landlords and the individual landlords leave the business. You end up with the big corporate landlords buying everyone out, because they have the money, infrastructure, and lawyers to continue making a profit in that kind of environment.
Individual landlords, like I was, are in it for more than just rent profit. Sure there are crappy individual owner slumlords, but for the most part, I think individuals do it for the same reasons I did. They're working folks who want to invest their money, or retired folks looking for a little extra income and equity. You're not in it to eek out the highest dollar rent you can get. You're not giving free room and board, but you're asking a reasonable rent in return for good tenants. You're also making repairs and doing upkeep, not just for your tenant, but for yourself and your investment, which you'll likely be selling at some point, or leaving to someone in your will. You want to keep it in good shape.
Corporate landlords don't have to care about more than basic (if that) upkeep, because they're squeezing out every penny of profit. Maximum rent increases, minimum repairs. They don't care if they have tenants rotating out every other month. They have people for that.