No one is suggesting the removal of rent. The solution for a higher quality of life for all involved is public housing. This is a problem that Vienna has solved.
I agree that public housing is a very good solution. However most countries have not succeeded I providing this and until that happens villifying private landlords is not helpful.
By all means advocate for social housing, an general easing of restrictions to new housing development. I'm right behind you in that.
Vilifying private landlords is helpful in advocating for public housing and denouncing Rentier Capitalism. Rather than seeking to live off the wages of others, people are better served by earning a wage themselves.
The shortage you mention, do you think it would exist or exist in as significant a degree if landlords were not buying properties they have no intention of occupying?
Under capitalism there's an incentive to manufacture a shortage to drive prices up. That's why Vienna has such a higher quality of life than anywhere in the US: robust public housing which does not have such a detrimental incentive.
By all means advocate for social housing, an general easing of restrictions to new housing development. I'm right behind you in that.