Airbnb conversion: Hollywood Hills property owner seeks apartment-hotel hybrid

A Hollywood Hills apartment building owner wants to convert the property to short-term rentals, a move that comes as Los Angeles’ new law restricting Airbnb-type companies take effect.

Villa Valentino Hollywood LP — an entity controlled by an individual named Carl Lindros — owns the 18-unit building at 2000 N. Highland Avenue. Plans were filed plans last week to create an apartment-hotel hybrid there, records show. The property would be up to 61 feet high — meaning additional work would be done on the structure — and would be used primarily for guests staying for 30 days or less.

The property would be classified as a designated as a transient occupancy residential structure, meaning it will be a building designed or used as both a permanent residence for some occupants and a short-term stay for those who rent.

The move comes as the city’s new short-term rental laws go into effect for companies like Airbnb and HomeAway. At the same time, landlords in L.A. are partnering with extended-stay home-sharing companies to fill vacant units. Housing advocates say these platforms are adding to the problems that have contributed to the city’s lack of affordable units.

The transit occupancy residential designation was part of what helped developer Onni Group successfully fight an appeal over units used as short-term stays at its Downtown condo tower. Onni won the battle despite claims it was also operating and an “unpermitted hotel” at its 35-story building at 888 Olive Street. The city allowed Onni to continue providing short-term rentals, which the company dubbed Level Furnished Living residences.