Santa Monica Rules vs. AirBnB Definition

[Jiemei0]

According to the city of Santa Monica, we cannot list the studio we are renting out as an entire apt./home only as a private room. The studio is at the lower level of our house, and is a completely separate unit with kitchenette bathroom entrance, etc. My mother in law's deck is above the room. The airbnb definition of a private room however says there are shared spaces. We have changed the room type to private room specifying in the subject that it has a separate entrance, etc. but have gotten no inquiries this month whereas last month we were booked except for 8 days. The price for a private room is also 50% less than the entire apt. fee. Suggestions regarding what we could do? Thanks. 

[Clare0]

@Jiemei0 You're in a tough situation in Santa Monica as historically they've enacted very strict rental rules.  Airbnb requires all hosts to comply with local rules and regulations so my guess is that Santa Monica rules about short term stays would overrule any Airbnb policy. My advice is to go to the powers that be in Santa Monica and explain the layout of your listing to see if it fits their definition of a shared / private room.  

Many cities have instituted these types of regulations because they fear housing shortages due to property owners renting out on Airbnb. Santa Monica, as I recall, has rent control, does it not?

Sorry to say, but you'll need to check with the authorities in Santa Monica to see if your listing fits their requirements.  Part of living in paradise, I'm afraid!