The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a game-changer for our city, with Mercedes-Benz Stadium (temporarily renamed Atlanta Stadium for the tournament) hosting eight high-profile matches, including a semifinal on July 15, 2026.

This includes five group-stage games starting June 15, a Round of 32 match on July 1, and a Round of 16 on July 7.

Renting your home out on AirBnb may be one of the easiest ways to achieve your goal and make extra money 

Hotels don’t give tenants the same amenities and square footage as a typical AirBnb. That gives the homesharing site and app a clear advantage.

Atlanta is poised for massive demand: projections estimate around 216,000 visitors needing accommodations, with Airbnb guests alone contributing about 45,000 guest nights and potentially $70 million in economic impact. Local hosts could earn an average of $3,700 during the event period, with nightly rates spiking significantly—some listings already showing ADRs over $470 compared to normal rates around $107.

Bookings are surging early, with year-over-year demand up thousands of percent in neighborhoods like Buckhead, Vine City, and Chosewood Park.

If you’re considering listing your home (or a portion of it) on Airbnb, now is the time to prepare. This in-depth guide walks you through every step, from legal compliance to optimization strategies that can help you capitalize on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

In this article, we’ll cover all the details on how to rent your home on Airbnb.

Is It Profitable To Rent Your Home On AirBnb?

Renting your home on AirBnb can be very profitable. Because many hotels charge high rates, it makes for an opportunity if you’re willing to list your home.

But before you do, make sure that you own a property in an area / neighborhood where new faces are welcome and guests feel safe.

It’s also a good idea to to make sure your neighbors are aware of what’s going on to a reasonable degree. You might also want to check to see if your homeowners association forbids it.

If you’re all clear, then you just need to prepare to rent your home.

Atlanta has regulated short-term rentals (STRs) since 2022 under Ordinance 20-O-1656. Operating without compliance risks fines or shutdowns—especially during a high-visibility event like the World Cup.

  • Short-Term Rental License (STRL): Required for rentals under 30 consecutive days. Apply via the City’s online portal (atlantaga.gov). Fee: ~$150 annually. You can license your primary residence plus one additional unit.
  • Display License Number: Must appear prominently on all ads, including Airbnb listings.
  • Zoning: STRs are allowed in all residential zones.
  • Taxes: Collect and remit hotel-motel tax (around 8%), state sales tax, and any local fees. Airbnb often handles this automatically.
  • Other Rules: Post house rules (noise, occupancy, parking), notify neighbors for new applications, and ensure safety compliance.

Check for HOA restrictions or neighborhood-specific bans (e.g., recent limits in areas like Home Park near Georgia Tech). Start the licensing process now—approvals can take weeks.

Setting Up or Optimizing Your Airbnb Listing

If you’re new to Airbnb:

  • Create an account and verify your identity. Set up an account and log onto Airbnb.com, click on “Add a listing.”
  • List your property as an entire home, private room, or shared space (entire homes perform best for events).

For existing hosts: Refresh everything.

  • Title and Description: Use keywords like “World Cup 2026 Ready,” “Near Mercedes-Benz Stadium,” “Mins to MARTA/Fan Zones,” or “Perfect for Soccer Fans.”
  • Photos: Professional shots are essential—highlight large TVs, outdoor spaces for gatherings, comfortable bedding, and event-friendly amenities.
  • Amenities: Emphasize essentials (Wi-Fi, parking, AC), plus World Cup perks: big-screen TV for watch parties, international power adapters, extra seating.
  • House Rules: Clear guidelines on noise (quiet hours 10 PM–7 AM), max occupancy, no parties, parking.

2. Once you go through the prompts, you’ll choose whether this is a guest house or one where you “keep your personal belongings.”

You’ll also need to disclose whether you’re listing on behalf of a company or just yourself.

3. Under “Sleeping Arrangements,” add how many beds are in the bedroom(s) as well as if you have a sofa bed.

4. Once you add your address, you’ll need to confirm on a Google Map embedded in the page. Next, list any amenities like Wi-Fi, heat, AC (yes, those are all amenities) so that guests know what to expect.

5. Next list all the “Spaces” that guests can use (pool, washing machine, dryer, etc.).

6. Upload pictures of your home then describe your place, neighborhood and surrounding features to really sell it to would-be guests.

Pricing Strategy: Capitalize on Surge Demand

World Cup pricing can be 3–5x normal rates.

  • Dynamic Pricing: Use tools like AirDNA or PriceLabs to track comps. Current data shows massive uplifts; expect $400–$1,200+ per night for well-located properties.
  • Minimum Stays: Set 3–7 nights to reduce turnovers and lock in revenue.
  • Event Blocks: Open calendar now for June–July 2026. Set custom rates higher around match days, with buffers for pre/post-game.
  • Fees: Add cleaning, extra guest, or security deposit fees.

Monitor bookings—early inquiries are already pouring in. Competitive yet premium pricing wins during surges.

Once you do that, you’re ready to press the button to list your home.

Preparing Your Property for International Guests

World Cup visitors will be diverse—fans from Spain, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and beyond.

  • Deep Clean and Declutter: Remove valuables; secure personal items in locked storage.
  • Stock Essentials: Extra towels/linens, toiletries, coffee/tea, basic kitchen supplies. Consider soccer-themed welcome basket (flags, snacks).
  • Event-Ready Touches: Large TV with streaming, guidebook with MARTA tips, stadium directions, local restaurants, fan zone info.
  • Safety and Comfort: Working smoke/CO detectors, first-aid kit, clear emergency instructions. International plugs, multilingual welcome notes.
  • Professional Help: Hire reliable cleaners; book them early as demand will spike.

If renting your entire home, plan where you’ll stay—many hosts travel during peaks.

Guest Experience and Operations During the Event

  • Communication: Fast responses; pre-arrival info on traffic, parking, public transit.
  • Security: Airbnb’s AirCover provides protection, but consider extra homeowner’s/rental insurance for events.
  • Reviews: Exceptional service leads to great feedback from guests, which can benefit your property with more business.

3 Tips & Tricks When Renting Your Home On Airbnb

  • Remember, all transactions should be handled by Airbnb. Do not accept cash payment outside of the online system, that’s how trouble and discrepancies can arise.
  • Always draft some house rules: Let your guests know that this is not an anything-goes residence and that big parties are a no-no.
  • Before you accept a guest, make sure they have great reviews. If you read their ratings on Airbnb, that will give you the greatest indication of what type of guest they are.

Final Word

As you can see, there is some money to be made from renting your home out on Airbnb. To make the most of your home, always communicate your house rules to your guests ahead of time so there’s no misunderstanding.

Also, we can’t stress it enough: Let your close neighbors know that you’re listing your home on Airbnb.

There’s nothing worse than you renting out your home only to get a call from the cops hours later, saying that your neighbor reported a suspicious person on your property.