[chii]

why would having large commercial landlords be any different than individual landlords?

I'd say that a big commercial landlord has some edge over an individual landlord by being able to operate at scale, and thus lower the cost of maintenance. This would be reflected as lowered rents.

[evanlivingston]

Because large commercial interests have increased power in city, state and national politics. Rent control? Screw it! Background checks for rental units? Mandatory. If there is a monopoly on housing there's the potential for some pretty nasty stuff.