By Robin Nydes

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. A true story in two acts.
Act One: Around 8 p.m. after a recent neighborhood meeting. An elderly woman (let’s call her Sarah) comes forward to share her story. She says she owns a three bedroom, ranch style house north of Wilshire:
“This city is killing me,” she says in strained tones. “I used to rent my house a few weeks a year to some nice families, then go and stay with my son in Sacramento. That would help me pay the bills as it’s so expensive to live here. Now, because I can’t set up to do “home sharing” where I would stay on a separate floor, I have to sell. How does that help solve the housing crisis?”
Act Two: Around 1 a.m on the eve of the September 10th meeting of the Santa Monica City Council. A woman (let’s call her Nancy) comes forward to protest a new stricter ordinance.
“I’m an AirBnb “Superhost” with over 600 five star reviews.” She explains. “I have 2 bedrooms that I host as a bed & breakfast… I rent those rooms out to different people. Your new rules will cut my income in half.”

Read More: https://www.smdp.com/your-column-here-short-term-rentals-a-tale-of-two-cities/180091