Billt, In our area multi-family units are taxed to reflect the number of residents, children, needs, services, etc.. In reality, rentals do not harm our local services, but they do hurt the state budget, due to the fact that lower income can actually receive far more back than what the Homestead Credit (the difference between a resident (homestead) and non-resident owner) would be.
Timothy, I understand that there are many people like you who rent and lease. You represent a good sized group who is responsible in your earning ability and lifestyle. However even at your level, there is a group that is disconnected from the reality of taxation.