Laissez-faire is a failed concept. Alan Greenspan finally admitted it after a lifetime of advocacy. The 2008 banking system collapse finally convinced him. You?
Renters seldom had much choice; for years, Eugene was a rental owners' market. Upfront and in cash, renters were charged first, last, and damage deposits, plus cleaning fees and background checks! 
And "word get around" is a wonderful idea but what is a central information system that records that? 
Years ago, when looking for a home to purchase, we rented from the guy now facing federal time and penalties for his rental company's shenanigans. He tried to charge us a similar ridiculous cleaning fee. I went to his office and to speak to him. Seeing an adult who obviously had the means to bite him changed his mind. A kid wouldn't have the resources to do that. I hardly was surprised when this piece of human sleaze finally was arrested, charged, and pleaded guilty. I hope he gets prison time.