Gladstone has approved a temporary ordinance loosening short-term rental rules ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as demand — and prices — surge across the Kansas City region.
Worldwide short-term rental analytics firm AirDNA reports that short-term rental occupancy for June 2026 has already reached 33%, compared to just 3% at the same time last year for June 2025 across Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com.
Rates have climbed sharply. The average nightly price for short-term rentals during Kansas City’s group stage matches is now about $435, more than double the typical $190 average for the same period.
The Gladstone City Council passed an ordinance temporarily amending Chapter 100 of the city code to relax short-term rental regulations during the World Cup period.
What This Actually Changes for Gladstone Residents
Because the ordinance has passed:
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More homes can legally operate as short-term rentals during the World Cup window
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Existing STR owners face fewer regulatory hurdles
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Enforcement standards are temporarily relaxed compared to normal conditions
The changes are time-limited and tied specifically to the World Cup, not a permanent rewrite of Gladstone’s housing or rental rules.
Put simply:
Gladstone opened the door for more short-term rentals so the city can cash in on World Cup demand.
Homeowners who want to rent out their homes can do so more easily and at much higher nightly rates. For neighbors, it likely means more out-of-town visitors, increased street parking, and higher turnover in residential areas — especially during match weeks.
Timing, Scope, and Neighborhood Impact
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Timing: Applies only during the 2026 World Cup period
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Scope: Short-term rentals only; long-term rental rules remain unchanged
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Neighborhood impact: Areas near major roads, transit routes, and entertainment corridors are most likely to see increased activity
With nightly rates more than doubling, the ordinance reflects a deliberate choice by city leaders to prioritize short-term economic opportunity over maintaining the city’s usual residential rental restrictions — at least for the duration of the tournament.
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