I understand this point but if we go there then the person who is merely renting and people in Gates' position with his home don't get the same respect for their privacy as a private home owner. I think the idea is not so much to protect the property owner as it is to respect a person's privacy. I think a rented apartment should be viewed with the same respect as a privately owned home (provided no conflict with the property's actual owner is in play). In practice, this is Gates' home and I would imagine he feels like he has a right to expect a certain amount of privacy even though it is a university provided pad.
You’re right, but I believe Gates’ status as an “occupant” rather than an “owner” is germane to this discussion in one key respect: I think he never would have gotten into a heated confrontation with the police officer if he owned the home himself.