🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Lawrence, KS
Lawrence Rethinks STR Limits for 2026 due to World Cup
World Cup Lodging Crunch: Lawrence Considers STR Expansion
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup only two summers away, Lawrence leaders are already thinking ahead about where visitors will sleep. The city is expecting thousands of fans to roll into town, and commissioners know hotel rooms alone won’t cut it. That’s why they’re debating a temporary tweak to the city’s short-term rental rules.
Currently, Lawrence limits licensees to just three short-term rental permits each, a rule meant to stop investors from cornering the housing market. But when the World Cup comes to Kansas City—bringing six matches and tens of thousands of fans—the usual rules may not stretch far enough. A temporary increase in licenses could let more properties hit Airbnb and Vrbo during the games, helping absorb the surge in demand.
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The move would be a big shift for a city that’s been careful with STR regulations. Residents have long worried about neighborhoods losing their character if too many rentals take over. For that reason, officials are framing this as a one-time exception, tied directly to the World Cup’s short window in June and July. Once the event is over, the old rules would snap back into place.
Supporters say the plan makes sense: it gives homeowners a chance to earn extra cash, helps the city avoid lodging shortages, and ensures Lawrence can share in the World Cup excitement. Opponents worry about enforcement and whether even a short-term relaxation could set a precedent for looser rules down the line.
Still, there’s no denying the opportunity. With Kansas City set to host a quarterfinal match, Lawrence is perfectly positioned to capture the spillover. If approved, the temporary STR expansion could be a win-win: beds for fans, dollars for hosts, and a showcase moment for the city.
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