> Inability to make changes to the building
Who cares? What are you people dreaming of doing to buildings? I sleep, watch TV, shower, and cook dinner in my apartment. Doesn't take a lot to satisfy me, I guess.
> Constant fear of eviction for the flimsiest of reasons
A good argument for governmental protection of renters.
> No tax reduction on rent payments (but often on mortgage interest - a gobsmacking reality)
Don't care. My rent is so much lower than a mortgage that I don't mind missing out on the tax benefits.
> Arbitrary rules imposed on you long beyond your childhood years: Pets/no pets, smoking/no smoking, rug surface area requirements etc.
There's arbitrary rules imposed on nearly every aspect of modern life. I'm not particularly bothered by a few more.