Would I be classified as a tenant if living at residence for 3 years and doing maintenance to the residence?

Your agreement with the owner or "landlord" is key here to the court's interpretation of your legal status.  If you have an agreement that you would maintain the premises in exchange for paying rent then you could indeed be considered a tenant or maybe even an employee (but that is a giant leap).  Your agreement - verbal or written - governs here.  Good luck.