So you live in a fabulous place,– so fabulous that when you travel, everything looks un-fabulous by comparison. Maybe it’s time to take advantage of your home’s fabulousness by sharing it with others and making a little pocket money while you’re at it.

Remember, well maybe you don’t, when taking in lodgers was a sign that you were having problems making ends meet. Then lodgers were converted into guests and vintage homes with multiple bedrooms all around the country were turned into a bed and breakfast.

The latest incarnation of the lodger and bed and breakfast concepts is now renting rooms within your home to guests who would like to enjoy the benefits of living in your home for a short stay without the impersonal and expensive aspect of a hotel.

Now before I get myself in trouble here, I want to state there are taxes, both local and federal, you may be required to pay. Also, you need to determine what permitting and zoning regulations you may have to meet before you can rent your extra bedroom to a temporary guest. And as in any rental situation, fair housing rules apply, which prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, age, gender and more. Basically, if this is something that appeals to you, research would certainly be required.

So how does this work? First you need to be comfortable with a stranger living in your house. It can be a wonderful experience or it can be a nightmare, especially if your guest decides to invite the folks they just met at the local bar over to continue the party. Second, after cruising around the Internet, I determined that most homeowners who are making rooms available to guest are providing basically a nicely appointed bedroom and a private bath. If there is also a private entrance better still. Most homeowners do not provide food or breakfast, but will allow guests some kitchen access.

Usually renters looking for private home accommodations are also looking for locations that are vacation friendly like beaches or ski resorts. Practically any home on Anna Maria Island with an extra bedroom would be attractive to short term vacation guests. And finding vacation renters is not all that difficult, especially with the beach within a short walk of your home.

There is a website called airbnb, Inc. devoted almost exclusively to matching landlords and renters. Airbnb has over 35,000 listings around the world. The property listing highlights location, amenities and pictures of both the property and the homeowner. There is a fee for both the guest and the homeowner.

After checking out the west coast on airbnb, including Sarasota, Treasure Island and Anna Maria, I found the per night costs ranged from $50 to $90 for a bedroom with a private bath, and there was something for everyone, downtown Sarasota, Siesta Key, canal front, and walking distance to the beach.

What airbnb has created is what is coming to be known as the sharing economy. Consumers contract for short term use of their underused assets like homes or space in their homes, cars, boats and other possessions that can be easily rented to interested parties on a short term basis. Shared economy is different than commercial rentals offering more personal one on one interaction and usually priced better. You’re not renting a car from Avis to drive through New England for two weeks you’re sharing a private individual’s vehicle for a fee.

If you think your home is fabulous and you want to share it with others, the sharing economy may be something to think about. Remember, they’re not lodgers, they’re guests, and you don’t have to cook them breakfast.