With FIFA and sponsors completing their bulk hotel bookings and other public lodging for World Cup 2014 getting scarce, visitors are turning to personal connections and Brazil-based rental agencies to help secure private rentals.

One of the worst things to see or hear as a traveler is “no vacancy.” But that’s all visitors wanting to attend the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil may encounter if they don’t book a place to stay soon.

From about June 12th to July 13th, the city of Rio de Janeiro expects to see around 600,000 people from other countries and 3 million people from other areas of Brazil. (1,3,all) City and hotel industry spokespeople claim they will be ready with plans to build about 22,000 more rooms and offer six cruise ships for lodging.

But with FIFA and sponsors completing their bulk hotel bookings and other public lodging getting scarce, visitors are turning to personal connections and Brazil-based rental agencies to help secure private rentals.

Due to the high demand and uncertain supply, private properties are being rented at premium rates. Some examples of current 1-month rental rates include a Copacabana studio apartment for $7,000 and a 4-room Ipanema penthouse for $150,000.

Rates are only expected to go up as the World Cup draws near.