2026 FIFA World Cup — Short-Term Rental Guide

STR regulations for all 12 US host cities. Know the rules before you list.

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first to be held across three countries, with 12 US cities hosting group stage and knockout round matches from June to July 2026. Short-term rental demand in host cities is expected to spike significantly during match weekends, making this a major opportunity for licensed hosts. However, cities are also expected to increase STR enforcement ahead of the tournament — getting your permits and tax registrations in order now is essential. Below is a breakdown of STR regulations for every US host city.

Host City Regulations

City	Status	Permit Fee	Tax Rate	Day Limit
Atlanta, Georgia (WC)	Legal with Permit	$150/year	8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax	No limit
Boston, Massachusetts (WC)	Legal but Limited	$25 registration fee	6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax	No limit
Dallas, Texas (WC)	Restricted	$285 registration fee	13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state)	No limit
Houston, Texas (WC)	Legal with Permit	$90 registration fee	13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state)	No limit
Kansas City, Missouri (WC)	Legal with Permit	$250/year permit fee	7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax	No limit
Los Angeles, California (WC)	Legal but Limited	$89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee	14% Transient Occupancy Tax	120 days
Miami, Florida (WC)	Restricted	$150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee	13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax)	No limit
New York City, New York (WC)	Effectively Banned	$145 registration fee (OSE)	5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax	No limit
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (WC)	Legal with Permit	$50 Limited Lodging license	8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax	180 days
San Antonio, Texas (WC)	Legal with Permit	Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee	16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county)	No limit
San Francisco, California (WC)	Legal but Limited	$450 registration fee	14% Transient Occupancy Tax	90 days
Seattle, Washington (WC)	Legal with Permit	$75/year short-term rental operator license	15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city)	No limit

Key Tips for World Cup Hosts

Apply for permits early. Permit processing can take weeks or months. Don't wait until the tournament is announced to apply.
Expect increased enforcement. Cities typically ramp up STR enforcement during major events. Fines for unlicensed operation can be steep.
Understand your tax obligations. Even if your platform collects taxes automatically, verify that all applicable local taxes are being remitted.
Check insurance requirements. Many cities require hosts to carry liability insurance. Review your homeowner's policy and any city-mandated minimums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent my home during the 2026 World Cup?

It depends on your city's short-term rental regulations. Most World Cup host cities require a permit or license. Check your city's specific requirements on this page.

Which cities are hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The US host cities are: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Francisco, Seattle.

Do I need a special permit to rent during the World Cup?

No special World Cup permit exists — you need the standard short-term rental permit for your city. However, enforcement often increases during major events, so make sure you're fully compliant before listing.