As an Airbnb host that is not the house owner, can I simply report rental income and expenses on Sch. E?

[TomD8]

No, because you can't rent something you don't own.  What is your financial relationship with the owner with regard to you "hosting" the property?

[John Forster]

Hi TomD8,

Thanks for your reply.  I don't have any objections from the homeowner allowing me to be an Airbnb host and renting in effect  the spare bedroom to an Airbnb guest.  Then, I thought I could  use Schedule E to report income and expenses for that activity.

Would using Schedule C, Profit or Loss From Business, be possible for rental real estate activity? Is ownership of the property a prohibiting factor here, too, with its different tax forms. Thanks in advance for any added advice or input - greatly  appreciated.

Cheers, John 

[jtax]

@TomD8 if the OP is a lessor (renter) than he or she "owns" the right to occupy the space rented. No reason (if allowed per the terms of the lease) that they can't rent out part of that space.

[TomD8]

Yes, income from a sublease is rental income, generally reportable on Schedule E.  The IRS says to report it on Schedule C "when you provide substantial services in conjunction with the property or the rental is part of a trade or business as a real estate dealer."

https://www.irs.gov/publications/p527#en_US_2018_publink1000219119

You'll also find the IRS definition of "substantial services" in that IRS reference.