Woman makes £3,600 by renting out spare rooms to World Cup fans - and she doesn't even like 'soccer'

Woman makes £3,600 by renting out spare rooms to World Cup fans - and she doesn't even like 'soccer' Despite professing to have little interest in the game herself, opening the doors to fans was a “no-brainer” after hearing about how much money homeowners could cash in An American woman who admits she is “not a soccer fan” has raked in more than £4,000 by renting out rooms in her home to football fans travelling to the World Cup. Artist Robin Urton, 61, has made $4,8881 (£3,600) from nine bookings so far after listing her home on Airbnb ahead of the tournament this summer. “I’m not a soccer fan, or any kind of sports fan, but I love all kinds of people, and enjoy interacting with them in my home,” she said. “My cats are acting as a friendly concierge, and guests love them.” Robin, who lives just a 12-minute drive from Kansas City Stadium, realised she could benefit on the masses of supporters descending on the city for matches this summer. While renovating the upstairs suite of her Tudor-style home, she began reading reports about homeowners cashing in on the tournament and decided to give it a go – “it was a no-brainer,” she said. Unlike many hosts who rent out their entire property and flock elsewhere during major sporting events, Robin has continued living in the house alongside her guests. “I would have a hard time trusting complete strangers in my house if I weren’t there too,” she said. Choosing to share the space with her guests has given Robin the chance to mingle with globe-trotting football fans, including visitors from Mexico and Argentina. “The Argentinian couple were so friendly and sweet,” she said. “The man even helped me set up my Smart Lock.” Guests staying at the property have access to a large bedroom, kitchenette, dining area, living room and private bathroom, while an additional downstairs bedroom can accommodate two more visitors. Robin began renting part of the property six years ago after a long-term housemate moved out. A friend suggested she turn the space into furnished accommodation for nurses on short contracts working at a research centre nearby and Robin soon discovered she could earn significantly more than she had from a traditional lodger. When she first listed the property on Airbnb, the platform promoted her listing and bookings quickly followed. Since then, however, she has found it difficult to attract guests because she has only received two reviews so far. “Now I have a few reviews, the bookings are picking up, but most of the reviews won’t come through until the World Cup is pretty much over,” she said. Robin believes some of the figures being touted about earnings during the tournament have been exaggerated, but says the extra income has made a real difference. “The amount of money we were told homeowners could earn is definitely overhyped,” she said. “But it’s still been a good opportunity for me, as it’s helping me afford to upgrade my house, which constantly needs repairing. “I would definitely rent out my house for more sporting events in the future.” Robin made around $700 (£531) from her first two bookings and expects to earn a total of $3,208 (£2,434) during June alone. She forecasts a further $973 (£738) in July, although still has availability remaining.