🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Kansas City, MO
Kansas City Prepares for Short-Term Rental Boom
Kansas City Residents Rush to Rent Homes for World Cup
Kansas City is buzzing with anticipation as the FIFA World Cup 2026 inches closer, and residents are rushing to cash in. Since December, the city has opened a special short-term rental permit for major events, and applications are pouring in.
City staff report more than 200 applications already, with officials anticipating 800 to 1,000 short-term rentals operating by the time the World Cup begins.
The permit allows residents to rent their homes from May 3 to July 31, covering the entire tournament window.
Assistant Director Nia Webster of the Neighborhood Services Department says the program is designed to help the city handle the influx of visitors. Officials estimate about 500,000 people will travel to Kansas City for the World Cup.
“By allowing residents to do it, they can make some money during this opportunity with the World Cup,” Webster explains.
The special permit costs $50, far less than the $200 annual permit. But it cannot be renewed after July 31. For many residents, it’s the perfect chance to try hosting. “We have had dreams of doing Airbnb, and so, with this opportunity, the World Cup coming up pushed us into doing it,” says resident Suzy Leftwich.
Applications continue to roll in. Since December 12, 2025, the city has received 234 applications, including 85 annual permits and 11 major-event permits in December, and 90 annual permits and 48 major-event permits in January.
Webster says her team is prepared to process applications but urges residents to apply soon. Different requirements apply depending on whether hosts live in the property, and city staff are fielding many questions.
Kansas City Short-Term Rental (STR)
Once the World Cup kicks off, enforcement will be key. With Missouri allowing 23-hour liquor sales during the event, officials anticipate more parties and potential nuisance issues. “We’re going to be super busy during the World Cup,” Webster says, noting that staff will focus on public safety.
Susan Brown, president of the Kansas City Short-Term Rental Alliance, says the announcement of teams based in Kansas City could be a boost. “They’ll bring their fans. They’ll stay for the whole month, it won’t just be those few weekends,” she says.
🙋How to Register?
💻 Submit your application online through CompassKC.
✅ Need help getting started? Download the Short-Term Rental Checklist.
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