That was the original intent of AirBnB. What the problem is is "investors" etc buying up properties to effectively turn into hotels and rent out as short term rentals THAT THEY DONT LIVE IN.

Workers need a place to live. They cant forgo a place to live if they cant afford it like they can with a big screen tv. These AirBnB entrepreneurs are taking housing stock out of circulation for local workers to rent/live in.

Housing is not your typical commodity.