HOUSTON – With just over 44 days until the World Cup comes to Houston, many homeowners are considering turning their properties into short-term rentals.
Airbnb and other booking platforms are making it increasingly easy to estimate potential earnings—but local experts say those numbers don’t tell the full story.
Thinking about hosting
Online tools allow users to plug in their address and estimate potential income during major events like the World Cup. But professionals warn that those projections don’t reflect real-world costs.
Casey Russell, a Houston real estate professional, says preparation alone can come with a price tag.
“You definitely have to calculate expenses” Russell said.
He says getting a home ready for guests often requires upfront investment in security and rental setup.
“Overall package, probably between $500 to $1,000” Russell.
And once bookings begin, the ongoing costs can add up quickly—from cleaning between stays to restocking supplies.
“You have to have soap mounted on the wall, like shampoo, conditioner, towels. There is a hand wash cloth, little slippers, a tooth, toothbrushes, makeup wipes, all of those things you have to purchase” Iman Mora said.
Doing the math
Even before factoring in platform fees and taxes, hosts say the numbers can change fast once expenses are included.
Let’s break it down.
If Airbnb estimates a home could make around $5,000 during World Cup month, that total can shrink after deductions:
• Cleaning fees of about $120–$150 per stay
• Airbnb service fees of around 3% per booking
• Supplies and maintenance averaging about $200 per stay
• A $275 city registration fee for short-term rentals
After those costs, the final take-home amount can look very different from the initial projection.
Risks for hosts
Beyond the financial side, there are legal and property risks.
Casey Russell says homeowners need to be aware of potential issues tied to local rules.
“You can find yourself in a lawsuit if you violate the deed restrictions” Russell said.
He also says property damage is one of the most common concerns.
“The biggest risk is property damage” Russell said.
World Cup demand in Houston
For some Houston homeowners, the opportunity is already here.
Imani and Iman Moura say they specifically researched pricing around the tournament before listing their home.
“We just did some research to be able to price it accordingly for the World Cup” Moura said.
That strategy worked quickly—so quickly that availability disappeared almost immediately.
“There is not one day available anymore. Like that month it booked all the world from June to July, it is completely booked” Moura said.
They say the World Cup became their main focus after missing out on other seasonal demand.
Even with bookings secured, they say the process still requires trust in the platform and careful verification.
Timing is everything
Experts say anyone considering listing their home should act quickly. Between HOA approvals, city permits, and preparation time, the process can take weeks or longer.
With 2026 FIFA World Cup demand approaching fast, missing that window could mean missing peak earning potential altogether.