Short-Term Rentals During the World Cup
On January 20, 2026, City Council approved a temporary policy amending the standards for short-term rental licensing. This policy applies to short-term rentals operating between May 25 and July 31, 2026 and exempts them from the neighbor notification requirement. The licensing fee for a short term rental is $75.00 (the same as a typical rental licensing fee.)
Kansas City has been selected as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will stage six matches from June 16 to July 11. An estimated 650,000 unique visits are expected in the metro area during this time. The temporary changes for short-term rental licensing are intended to help residents take advantage of the economic opportunities associated with the World Cup while reducing administrative demands on both applicants and City staff.
This temporary license does not remove existing short-term rental safeguards. All current licensing, safety, and enforcement requirements remain in effect. Per City Code Chapter 5 Article 7, short-term rentals must continue to meet all applicable standards, including but not limited to:
- The short-term rental must be the owner’s principal residence;
- Meet all safety requirements;
- The property may not be used as a reception, party, or event space; and
- Comply with off-street parking standards.
- Pay the $75 licensing fee
To apply for short term rental license between May 25 to July 31, 2026, complete this application.
Applications will be processed in the order received. City staff aim to review applications and complete inspections within 12 business days of receipt.
Forms and Resources
(Standard) Short-Term Rentals
Short Term Rentals operating outside of the above listed dates per the temporary policy will follow the following steps to receive licensure.
- Apply for License - link
- Pay Fee ($75.00)
- Complete Safety Certification - link
- Verify Residency - link (must be notarized)
- Notify Neighbors (in-person or certified mail)
- Schedule Inspection
- License Issued
To learn additional details on the above process, click here.
INSPECTIONS
Neighborhood Services staff performs exterior inspections annually and issues renewal licenses upon passing inspection. Neighborhood Services staff will conduct interior inspections at the request of the landlord or tenant.
Inspections By Request
Both owners and tenants of rental properties (both apartments and single family homes) may request an interior and exterior inspection of the property. The goal for these inspections is to ensure basic health and safety features such as electrical wiring and carbon monoxide detectors are in place in these dwellings.
To request an inspection, please contact your Neighborhood Services team at 913-722-2600.
Exterior inspections will continue on an annual basis when the single family home rental license is up for renewal. Please see the link for interior inspections for a list of inspection items by room.
View the list of inspection items by room (PDF).
Reinspections
During an inspection, if the Neighborhood Services Staff determines that the dwelling is not in compliance with applicable City ordinances, staff will discuss a schedule and process to achieve compliance with the owner or tenant.
Re-inspections shall be conducted to ensure that appropriate corrective action has been completed. There is no cost for the first reinspection.