Between safety issues like this, the fact that the buildings aren't regularly inspected, that there's been numerous discoveries of hidden cameras, and the general lack of service, etc I still can't believe anyone would stay in a thing like this.

Communities should pass laws that any residency being used in this manner (for-profit rental) needs to have regular fire inspection, be up to code when it comes to sensors, have certain levels of liability insurance, and sign affidavits stating there are no cameras and punish violations with large monetary fines. If you're going to use your home as a business then it should be treated like one.