This really is wrong. There's so many contracts the landlord has to keep up with, and pay, the council on various cases like rates, water, upkeep of lawns or council will and bill, keeping up with changing building codes and rules such a fire alarms which update every x years, then insurances, then maintenance of the house structure, the plumbing, electrical .. as well as that the 'money' represents their savings from other work they did. It's serious job and you're not seeing the reality of it if you think the landlord does nothing but profit. It's a bloody business, with work, responsibilities and risks, and if everything goes well the expectation of a profit but not the guarantee. It's also a business that provides significant real value to people - a modern house has so many features and meets so many beauracratic and safety rules beyond just a roof over your head.

Living in a teepee is looking more attractive by the day haha.