Why does it need to be a criminal issue though instead of merely a civil contract law issue?
I would imagine that each landlord and each homeowner's association could come to their own agreements on what is and is not acceptable without the need for laws on the books.
"Why does it need to be a criminal issue though instead of merely a civil contract law issue?"
I get the feeling it is more the origin of the law as a business regulation that drives the criminal part. I too wish more things were handled as basic contract law issues.
I would imagine that each landlord and each homeowner's association could come to their own agreements on what is and is not acceptable without the need for laws on the books.