[calenel]

You are trying to reverse the argument. There was no claim that anybody was going to reduce rents as a result of this. The opposite effect is what will occur once the mortgage interest deduction is eliminated and/or tax deductions are eliminated. In the end it is indisputable that it is the renters that pay the interest and taxes on the properties they rent. If interest payments are no longer deductible, rents will rise, no? Therefore, landlords deducting mortgage interest keeps rents less than they would otherwise be. This is splitting hairs, though. The original argument was about why some people (landlords and homeowners) should get a benefit that renters do not, but it was correctly pointed out that renters DO benefit. That is what you were disputing and your argument has been refuted. You just aren't willing to admit it.

People that deduct local taxes aren't feeling the full effect of those taxes, either. Maybe they'll try to curb their bloated, greedy state and local governments if they feel the bite, instead of having the rest of us subsidize their excesses.

[DoughtyOne]

No, I’m not trying to reverse the argument.

I’m trying to point out to you that your claims are vaporware.

Your arguments are unsustainable. Owners of apartment buildings are in no way obligated to lower rents based on mortgage interest deductions.

They can use that money for:

Down payments on other buildings
Taking the family on a vacation
Making improvements on another apartment building
Paying a son or daughters college tuition

...and countless other things.

Fail

At the end of the day, the only firm statement that has been made is:

Renters cannot deduct mortgage interest payments