The situation is hugely different

When they rented the house:
1. The landlord (government) does not check their credit record, does not require deposit.
2. They don't need to sign the lease. Basically they get unlimited contract.
3. They can do whatever they want to the apartment (as long as not blowing down the building). The landlord will not charge them for a single nail hole.
Those different make their rented apartment a home. But the rented ones here are surely not a home.