New Airbnb hosts can score a $750 bonus for FIFA World Cup rentals in 16 cities including NYC, LA. Here's why short-term renting isn't an easy win

• City rules: Some municipalities impose registration, licensing, primary-residence requirements or rental day limits (3).
• HOA/building rules: Homeowner associations and condominium boards can impose rental restrictions (4). Eligibility rules for the bonus also have fine print. Hosts must generally be new to Airbnb or have had no active listing before Feb. 1, 2026, make their entire home available in an eligible zip code, and complete a reservation for at least $100 on or before July 31, 2026 (5).

Expenses reduce take-home income

If you’re thinking of taking the plunge, one major cost to think about is insurance. Many standard homeowners' insurance policies don’t automatically cover short-term rental activity, meaning hosts may need additional coverage or a specialized policy, according to reporting in Insurance Business magazine (6).

Having insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s highly recommended. Without it, hosts could face high out-of-pocket costs if a guest is injured, a neighbor files a liability claim or damage occurs during a stay.

Other expenses include maintenance, cleaning, Airbnb service fees and taxes. Depending on the location, hosts may need to pay local lodging taxes, state taxes and federal income taxes (7).

What to check before listing your home

Before making plans to cash in on your home during the World Cup, consider the following checklist:

1. Confirm your city’s short-term rental laws and permit requirements.
2. Review HOA or building policies that might prohibit rentals.
3. Check your homeowner’s insurance to see if short-term rentals are covered, and obtain the relevant insurance if not.
4. Estimate total costs**,** including taxes, platform fees, insurance and cleaning.
5. Gauge potential earnings by looking at similar listings in your neighborhood for the tournament period.
6. Verify eligibility for the $750 incentive, including ZIP code and host status requirements.

If you’re legally able to rent, subtract the estimated costs from the potential earnings, then consider if the money you’re left with represents a reasonable return for the hassle of renting your place out.

Article Sources

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Airbnb (1, 5); Deloitte (2); AirDNA (3); Condo Control (4); Insurance Business (6); Internal Revenue Service (7)