Using AirBnb to "home share" as opposed to being a land lord?

[Dominic Metzger]

Hello! I was wondering if anyone has some good advice on the difference in classifications and taxes when it comes to doing short-term rentals of *part* of the home vs the entire home?

Currently I'm away from my house but maintain a living area in the basement and only use airbnb to rent out the top floor of my residence.  From what I understand because I satisfy the requirements for my own occupancy (I've lived there about 4 months of the year so far) then the house isn't fully a commercial or investment property?

I'm curious then if short term rentals can be considered home sharing? even if its not using a lease agreement? This is all pretty new to me as I wasn't intending on being out of the country and decided to reduce the mortgage costs of my home by renting it out a few weeks a month.

Thank you for any help on this!