Good question. That sounds like a perfect case for some variety of “condominium”. The arrangement there is usually that the interior of the structure is owned by the occupant, while the exterior is shared in some way. Either the exterior is owned by the condo owner association (of which you are a member), or there is some sort of communal easement.

Alternatively, I’ve worked with independent property preservation and maintenance services that basically do the same thing that an apartment complex’s maintenance staff would do. Without widespread renting, there would be a huge demand for such services directly from homeowners You’d basically pay a monthly fee, and they would handle everything. If they try to charge too much, you dump them and find someone else.

In either case, there are alternatives to paying exorbitant fees to a landlord. These are deeded properties; if you’re making monthly payments, they are to a lender of your choice. You can refinance with another lender if you don’t like the one you start with.