Officials say it’s no coincidence that hundreds of apartments in Santa Monica sound more like hotel rooms, as landlords realize corporate rentals get around the city’s strict anti-AirBnb ordinance while taking advantage of incentives meant to build housing to solve a statewide shortage of affordable places to live.

“It’s really amazing. The blatant abuse of these residential units for use, really, as a hotel,” said Chair Amy Anderson at a recent Planning Commission meeting.

The trend is pervasive, with approximately 39 apartment buildings in downtown Santa Monica advertising at least some units for corporate or vacation travelers looking to rent here for just over 31 days – the threshold for a “short-term rental.” 

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