I have family members who are our landlords, and others that own second houses. Is this a “no ethical consumption under capitalism” moment or what do I need to do about this?
I have family members who are our landlords, and others that own second houses. Is this a “no ethical consumption under capitalism” moment or what do I need to do about this?
It really depends on the context. There is a non-exploitative demand for (cheap) rentals as well, even in a “perfect” anarchist society. Renting gives more flexibility and not everyone wants to / can deal with the maintenance.
I would say if it is a tight urban market and they are profiting of the supply shortage both due to higher rent and increase in house market value then it isn’t very ethical. But somewhere in a rural setting with more or less surplus housing, there isn’t really much to be concerned about.
I don’t know about where you live obviously but here in the uk there isn’t really any surplus of housing in rural areas, in fact many rural villages are being taken over by second home owners and airbnb rentals, which drives up the price on the few remaining houses, leaving the more built up areas where most property is bought buy landlords to be let.
I’m pretty sure a ‘perfect’ anarchist society could help people who can’t do so to maintain their homes as well as having lodgings for those who don’t want to live in one place for long, these aren’t rocket science.