Illegal to convert rent control unit into vacation rental/airbnb?

[Mario F.]

Hello, I'm in the market to buy a duplex in LA. Most likely North east LA but all of the properties in that area are rent control.  If I happen to purchase a duplex with both units vacant, can I use one of the units for an Airbnb vacation rental?  I've read some articles online about how LA is cracking down on landlords who boot rent control tenants out and convert their units into Airbnb rentals.  But since I would be the one who inherits completely empty units, would it still be illegal to do this?   The seller is in the process of relocating the current tenant, who is an elderly disabled lady.  Apparently there is an agreement that she will leave.  If she does, I will consider buying this property especially if I can rent one unit out on Airbnb.  So I was wondering if anyone here might know more about this. 

thanks

mario