Landlords need to be licensed and regulated. There should be a department for renters to report to, and if the landlords violate too many times they lose their license and can’t rent. Most businesses are licensed and require permits to operate, so should the housing industry. It would create revenue for the city and keep the housing market moving. If someone can’t maintain their property,  then they can sell it to someone else to at least have a chance. Old houses with bad electric, plumbing, or other issues need to be maintained, sold, or demolished. Apartments should have a minimum number of units to keep occupied, or else lower rent to fill more units.