See the definition of landlord and compare it to that of a slumlord.

> slum·lord (n)

> a landlord of slum property, especially one who profiteers. "Can you rent to the poor without being a slumlord?"

It takes considerable effort and funds to keep a house not just livable, but well kept, insured, managed, etc. If not for landlords, how else would all of that happen?

Plenty of landlords out there don't take care of these things.

Absolutely! But plenty do. How many tenants out there don't hold up their end of things?

Housing for a fee for a fixed term. There is inherent risk being a landlord that renters don't face.