Zillow and Redfin Settle FTC Rental Listings Antitrust Case
Zillow and Redfin settle FTC and five-state antitrust case, forcing Redfin back into rental advertising while preserving Zillow listing access for renters.
Summary
On August 24, 2026, Zillow and Redfin settled with the Federal Trade Commission and attorneys general from Arizona, Connecticut, New York, Virginia and Washington, ending litigation as the case approached trial that morning. The regulators alleged Zillow paid Redfin $100 million under a 2025 partnership to display Zillow rental listings instead of competing for advertisers, potentially sidelining Redfin for nine years. Redfin owns Rent.com and ApartmentGuide.com.
The companies said the partnership expanded renters’ access to listings. Regulators argued it removed a major rival, potentially raising property managers’ prices, worsening contract terms and reducing listing quality. Under the proposed settlement, Redfin must reenter rental advertising and can independently sell ads, display clients’ listings and pursue property-management customers without sharing sensitive business information with Zillow. Redfin may continue carrying Zillow listings.
The agreement follows the Justice Department’s Ticketmaster settlement. Of the 30 state attorneys general that originally sued Live Nation with the department, 26 continued their case and won in April.
Positives
- Redfin must reenter rental advertising and can again compete independently for property-management customers.
- Redfin can sell advertising, display its clients’ listings and pursue new rental customers.
- Redfin will no longer be required to share sensitive business information with Zillow.
- Zillow listings can remain on Redfin’s platforms, preserving the broader selection promoted by both companies.
Risks & concerns
- The FTC alleged Zillow paid Redfin $100 million to stop competing for rental advertisers.
- The 2025 partnership could have kept Redfin out of rental advertising for as long as nine years.
- Reduced competition could have increased prices and produced less favorable terms for property managers.
- Regulators warned the arrangement could have lowered the quality of rental listings available to consumers.