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Zillow settles FTC claims it paid Redfin to stop competing on listings
The FTC and five states reached a settlement with Zillow and Redfin, resolving claims that a $100 million deal suppressed competition in online rental advertising. Redfin must restart its standalone rental listings business within six months. The companies deny wrongdoing and say the partnership was pro-consumer.
The Federal Trade Commission has reached a settlement with Zillow and Redfin to resolve the regulator’s claim that the companies made an illegal deal to suppress competition in online rental advertising. The settlement was announced on Aug. 24, the day a trial in the case was set to begin, according to northjersey.com.
The FTC said it filed a proposed order with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. It essentially requires Redfin to restart its standalone rental housing listings business, which the commission says will restore competition in the market for rental property listings. The settlement also resolves litigation brought by state attorneys general in Arizona, Connecticut, New York, Virginia and Washington.
Daniel Guarnera, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, said in a statement that the settlement “delivers better, quicker, more certain results for both renters and property management companies than we would have been able to achieve after prevailing at trial, including firm and enforceable commitments by Redfin to relaunch its rentals advertising business.”
The disputed 2025 agreement
In its complaint filed almost a year ago, the FTC claimed that in exchange for $100 million and other compensation from Zillow, Redfin had agreed to shut down its internet listings and exclusively repost Zillow’s apartment listings, transition its customers to Zillow, and stay out of the apartment listings market for up to nine years. This arrangement applied to Redfin’s sites, including Rent.com and ApartmentGuide.com, as reported by northjersey.com and TechCrunch.
The commission argued that the companies’ February 2025 pact violated federal antitrust laws and could reduce incentives for competition, leading to higher prices and fewer choices for multifamily rental advertising customers. According to CNBC and the New York Post, an expert for the FTC and states estimated that after Redfin stopped competing, Zillow customers paid an average of 14.5% more per listing.
Zillow and Redfin said their agreement was not anticompetitive and benefited renters and property managers alike. Zillow had said in court papers that the deal put more listings on both sites and helped it compete with market leader CoStar Group, as noted by CNBC and the New York Post.
Terms of the settlement
The FTC’s proposed order requires Redfin to restart its rental listings business and hire enough staff to maintain it within six months of the order being finalized, or face financial penalties. The FTC said Redfin fired hundreds of employees shortly after announcing its deal with Zillow. According to northjersey.com, Redfin must also invest millions of dollars into the business, eliminate any term about sharing sensitive business information with Zillow, and report regularly to the FTC on its progress. Redfin will face fines if it misses deadlines.
While Redfin will continue to syndicate Zillow’s listings, it will be free to seek out and advertise non-Zillow listings, according to the FTC. TechCrunch reported that Redfin will be able to sell advertising, display listings from its own clients, and pursue new rental customers without being required to share sensitive business information with Zillow.
The settlement, which the FTC said contains no admission of liability or wrongdoing by Zillow, allows for a non-exclusive partnership between the two companies through at least 2030, as reported by northjersey.com. Zillow must also provide employee information to allow Redfin to interview its employees, and must waive any impediments that might prevent these employees from accepting employment from Redfin, according to Engadget and northjersey.com.
For a nine-month period after Redfin relaunches its internet listing services business, the FTC said Zillow must allow any customer whose contract cannot be canceled within three months to renegotiate their contracts without penalty, so they can benefit from the restored competition. Additionally, Zillow will launch standalone multifamily advertising products with Redfin in 2027, according to northjersey.com.
The companies will pay the five states $2 million in costs and fees, as reported by northjersey.com.
Reactions from officials and companies
The settlement drew praise from both federal and state officials. New York Attorney General Letitia James said the lawsuit restored competition in online listing platforms, “critical tools that New Yorkers rely on to find affordable homes.” FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson said the settlement will provide competition in rental markets that is “an integral component of President Donald Trump’s domestic housing agenda,” as reported by CNBC and the New York Post.
Zillow said the partnership with Redfin is “pro-consumer and procompetitive,” and that the resolution enables the company to keep its energy on innovating for renters and property managers. A Redfin spokesperson said the settlement allows the company to maintain its partnership with Zillow through at least 2030 while building its own rentals business, according to reports from CNBC, the New York Post, and northjersey.com.
Michael Sherman, general manager and senior vice president of Zillow Rentals, said the resolution is a win for renters and multifamily housing providers, adding that it “enables us to keep our energy on innovating for renters and property managers.”
Background and market context
The case stems from a February 2025 deal in which Redfin agreed to wind down its rental listing business, refer its customers to Zillow, and display copies of Zillow’s listings on its site. In return, Zillow agreed to pay Redfin $100 million, plus fees for each renter who signaled interest in a property, as reported by CNBC and the New York Post. Before the deal, the two companies were competing to list vacancies in buildings with more than 25 units.
The lawsuit was first filed in September 2025 by the FTC, according to Engadget. Arizona, Connecticut, New York, Virginia, and Washington also jointly filed a similar lawsuit against Zillow, which was merged with the FTC’s suit in November 2025.
More than 30% of Americans rent their homes, according to census data, as noted by CNBC and the New York Post.
How each outlet told it
Baltimore Sun
Framing: Same as article_id 1eb549d4-17b1-48fa-a30e-541ccc2d3b38 — Same as article_id 1eb549d4-17b1-48fa-a30e-541ccc2d3b38
Framing: Headline focuses on the resolution of the lawsuit and the claim of suppressing rental listings. — Neutral and factual, with a focus on the settlement terms.
Facts Included:
FTC reached settlement with Zillow and Redfin over claims of illegal deal to suppress competition in online rental advertising.
Proposed order filed with U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Settlement requires Redfin to restart standalone rental housing listings business.
Resolves litigation from Arizona, Connecticut, New York, Virginia, and Washington.
Quote from Daniel Guarnera, FTC Bureau of Competition director.
FTC claim: Redfin agreed to shut down internet listings for $100 million and other compensation, stay out of market for up to nine years.
FTC argument: February 2025 pact violated antitrust laws, could reduce incentives for competition, higher prices, fewer choices.
Zillow and Redfin denied anticompetitive behavior.
Order requires Redfin to restart and staff rental listings within six months or face financial penalties.
Redfin fired hundreds of employees after announcing deal.
Redfin can continue to syndicate Zillow's listings but can also advertise non-Zillow listings.
Zillow statement: partnership 'pro-consumer and procompetitive' and resolution enables continuation.
Redfin spokesperson said agreement allows maintaining partnership with Zillow through at least 2030 while building a standalone rentals business.
Framing: Headline focuses on the payment and stopping competition, similar to NY Post. — Neutral, with a stable tone, focusing on the settlement terms.
Facts Included:
FTC and group of states settled with Zillow ahead of trial on Monday.
Allegations that Zillow paid Redfin $100 million to stop competing in apartment rental listings.
More than 30% of Americans rent their homes, according to census data.
Redfin can continue to display Zillow ads but must resume its rental advertising business within six months.
Quotes from Letitia James, FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson, Redfin spokesperson, and Michael Sherman.
Background on February 2025 deal: Redfin would wind down rental listing business, refer customers to Zillow, and display copies of Zillow's listings.
State plaintiffs: New York, Virginia, Arizona, Connecticut, and Washington.
Expert estimated Zillow customers paid 14.5% more per listing after Redfin stopped competing.
Zillow argued in court papers that the deal helped it compete with CoStar Group.
Framing: Headline focuses on Zillow settling the antitrust lawsuit, framing it as a legal resolution. — Neutral but with a critical tone towards Zillow's actions, using 'buying off' and 'shut down.'
Facts Included:
Zillow settled an antitrust lawsuit brought by the FTC.
FTC accused Zillow of buying off rival Redfin for $100 million.
Settlement reverses an agreement that shut down Redfin's internet listing service for apartment rentals.
Redfin must reenter the ILS market and ensure competitiveness, including relaunch with 'significantly more listings.'
Quotes FTC statement about restoring competition in the ILS market.
Lawsuit first filed in September 2025.
States: Arizona, Connecticut, New York, Virginia, and Washington also filed similar lawsuits that were merged in November.
Zillow must provide employee information for recruitment.
Zillow must allow customers to renegotiate contracts without extra cost or penalty.
Framing: Headline focuses on the resolution of the lawsuit and the claim of suppressing rental listings. — Neutral and factual, with a focus on the settlement terms.
Facts Included:
FTC reached settlement with Zillow and Redfin over claims of illegal deal to suppress competition in online rental advertising.
Proposed order filed with U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Settlement requires Redfin to restart standalone rental housing listings business.
Resolves litigation from Arizona, Connecticut, New York, Virginia, and Washington.
Quote from Daniel Guarnera, FTC Bureau of Competition director.
FTC claim: Redfin agreed to shut down internet listings for $100 million and other compensation, stay out of market for up to nine years.
FTC argument: February 2025 pact violated antitrust laws, could reduce incentives for competition, higher prices, fewer choices.
Zillow and Redfin denied anticompetitive behavior.
Order requires Redfin to restart and staff rental listings within six months or face financial penalties.
Redfin fired hundreds of employees after announcing deal.
Redfin can continue to syndicate Zillow's listings but can also advertise non-Zillow listings.
Zillow statement: partnership 'pro-consumer and procompetitive' and resolution enables continuation.
Framing: Headline focuses on the settlement of the antitrust case, framing it as a resolution. — Neutral and factual, with a focus on the terms of the settlement.
Facts Included:
FTC and five state attorneys general reached settlement with Zillow and Redfin over antitrust case.
Settlement announced on Aug. 24, the day trial was set to begin.
Original 2025 agreement: Zillow paid Redfin $100 million to shut down its internet listings business for up to nine years, exclusively repost Zillow's apartment listings, and transition customers to Zillow.
Deal applied to Redfin's sites including Rent.com and ApartmentGuide.com.
Settlement contains no admission of liability or wrongdoing by Zillow.
Allows non-exclusive partnership through at least 2030.
Redfin must resume independent advertising within six months, eliminate term about sharing sensitive business information, and invest millions into the business.
Redfin faces fines for missed deadlines and must report regularly to FTC.
Zillow must provide employee information for Redfin to interview and hire, and cannot interfere with recruitment.
For nine months after Redfin relaunches, Zillow must allow customers with contracts that cannot be canceled within three months to renegotiate without penalty.
Companies to pay five states $2 million in costs and fees.
Quotes Daniel Guarnera, FTC Bureau of Competition Director.
Zillow announced settlement on Aug. 24, said partnership 'will continue unchanged.'
Zillow to launch standalone multifamily advertising products with Redfin in 2027.
Quote from Michael Sherman, GM and SVP of Zillow Rentals.
Framing: Headline emphasizes the payment and stopping of competition, suggesting a possibly negative connotation. — Neutral but with a slight emphasis on the negative aspects of Zillow's actions; uses phrases like 'allegedly' and 'illegally.'
Facts Included:
FTC and a group of states settled with Zillow ahead of trial on Monday.
Allegations that Zillow paid Redfin $100 million to stop competing in apartment rental listings.
More than 30% of Americans rent their homes, according to census data.
Redfin can continue to display Zillow ads but must resume its rental advertising business within six months.
Quotes from Letitia James, FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson, Redfin spokesperson, and Michael Sherman.
Background on February 2025 deal: Redfin would wind down rental listing business, refer customers to Zillow, and display copies of Zillow's listings.
State plaintiffs: New York, Virginia, Arizona, Connecticut, and Washington.
Expert estimated Zillow customers paid 14.5% more per listing after Redfin stopped competing.
Zillow argued in court papers that the deal helped it compete with CoStar Group.
Settlement announced on the day the trial was scheduled to begin.
Framing: Emphasizes resolution of litigation and the FTC's claim that the deal suppresses rental listings competition. — Neutral, factual. Presents both the FTC's allegations and the companies' defense.
Facts Included:
FTC reached settlement with Zillow and Redfin over claims of illegal deal to suppress competition in online rental advertising.
Proposed order filed with U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Settlement requires Redfin to restart standalone rental housing listings business.
Litigation brought by state attorneys general in Arizona, Connecticut, New York, Virginia, and Washington resolved.
Daniel Guarnera, director of FTC's Bureau of Competition, quoted.
FTC complaint claimed Redfin agreed to shut down internet listings for $100 million and other compensation, stay out of market for up to nine years.
FTC argued February 2025 pact violated federal antitrust laws, potentially leading to higher prices and fewer choices.
Zillow and Redfin denied anticompetitive behavior, saying the agreement benefited renters and property managers.
Order requires Redfin to restart and staff its rental listings business within six months or face financial penalties.
Redfin fired hundreds of employees after announcing deal with Zillow.
Redfin can continue to syndicate Zillow's listings but can also advertise non-Zillow listings.
Zillow statement: partnership is 'pro-consumer and procompetitive' and resolution enables continuation.
Framing: Headline simply states that Zillow and Redfin settled the FTC antitrust case. — Neutral and informative, presenting both sides without overt bias.
Facts Included:
Zillow and Redfin reached a settlement with the FTC and five states.
Settlement was announced as the case was scheduled for trial.
Deal stems from a 2025 agreement where Redfin agreed to display Zillow's rental listings instead of competing.
The arrangement could have kept Redfin out of rental advertising for nine years.
Redfin owns Rent.com and ApartmentGuide.com.
FTC and state AGs from Arizona, Connecticut, New York, Virginia, and Washington alleged Zillow paid $100 million.
Companies defended the partnership, arguing it provided more listings for renters.
FTC argued Zillow was paying to stop competition, potentially raising prices and reducing quality.
Under settlement, Redfin must reenter the rental advertising business and restrictions are removed.
Redfin can continue displaying Zillow listings but can compete for its own customers.
Redfin will be able to sell advertising and pursue new customers without sharing sensitive information with Zillow.
Each row is one claim, attributed to the outlet whose wording states it most clearly. Confidence rates how directly the source text states the claim — explicit and unhedged rates high; hedged, pieced-together, or internally inconsistent statements rate lower. It does not measure whether the claim is true. Status counts the distinct outlets we found asserting it — so a single-source claim can still show high confidence, and a multi-source claim can show medium. Every one of those outlets is named beside the status, so you can check the count against the list. For claims extracted before we began storing that list, the row says so: it names the outlet the claim is quoted from and states that we have not recorded which outlets backed it. Outlets wrote at different times, so a figure that evolves — a casualty count, for example — can legitimately differ between rows; check the "as of" time next to each claim's source.
Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimThe Federal Trade Commission reached a settlement with Zillow and Redfin to resolve a claim by the FTC that the companies made an illegal deal to suppress competition in online rental advertising.
ClaimThe FTC claimed that in exchange for $100 million and other compensation from Zillow, Redfin had agreed to shut down its internet listings and exclusively repost Zillow’s apartment listings, transition its customers to Zillow and stay out of the apartment listings market for up to nine years.
ClaimThe FTC argued that the companies’ February 2025 pact violated federal antitrust laws and could reduce incentives for competition, leading to higher prices and fewer choices for multifamily rental advertising customers.
ClaimThe FTC’s proposed order requires Redfin to restart its rental listings business and hire enough staff to maintain it within six months of the order being finalized, or face financial penalties.
ClaimZillow must provide employee information to allow Redfin to interview its employees and must waive any impediments that might prevent these employees from accepting employment from Redfin.
ClaimFor a nine-month period after Redfin relaunches its internet listing services business, Zillow must allow any customer whose contract cannot be canceled within three months to renegotiate their contracts without penalty.
ClaimFTC Chair Andrew Ferguson said the settlement will provide competition in rental markets that is an integral component of President Donald Trump's domestic housing agenda.
ClaimA Redfin spokesperson said the settlement allows the company to maintain its partnership with Zillow through at least 2030 while building its own rentals business.
ClaimZillow and Redfin made a deal in February 2025: Redfin would wind down its rental listing business, refer its customers to Zillow, and display copies of Zillow’s listings on its site.
ClaimArizona, Connecticut, New York, Virginia and Washington also jointly filed a similar lawsuit against Zillow, which was merged with the FTC's suit in November 2025.
ClaimRedfin will be able to sell advertising, display listings from its own clients, and pursue new rental customers without being required to share sensitive business information with Zillow.
15 outlets · 15 articles consulted: Baltimore Sun, The Boston Herald, Chicago Sun-Times, CNBC, Hartford Courant, Boulder Daily Camera, Engadget, The Philadelphia Inquirer, northjersey.com, New York Post, Santa Ana Orange County Register, Norfolk Virginian-Pilot, Santa Rosa Press Democrat, San Diego Union-Tribune, TechCrunch41 claims extractedVersion 3Written 2026-08-24