FTC Sues Zillow and Redfin Over Alleged Antitrust Violations in Rental Ads
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against Zillow and Redfin, alleging antitrust violations in the online rental advertising market. The complaint centres around a deal struck between the two companies, which the FTC argues could lead to higher prices and fewer choices for multifamily rental advertising customers.
In 2025, Rocket Companies acquired Redfin, a move that the FTC now contends was part of a strategy to suppress competition. The FTC alleges that Zillow paid Redfin $100 million in exchange for Redfin ending contracts with advertising partners and refraining from competing ads for multifamily properties for up to nine years. Following this agreement, Redfin reportedly fired hundreds of employees and assisted Zillow in hiring some of them.
Zillow maintains that its listing syndication with Redfin benefits renters and property managers, expanding access to multifamily listings. However, the FTC argues that this deal violates federal antitrust laws. The FTC is seeking to end the deal and may pursue other relief from the court, such as divestiture of assets or business reconstruction.
Redfin, now owned by Rocket Companies, has disputed the FTC's allegations and expressed confidence in prevailing in court. The case is ongoing, and the outcome could have significant implications for the online rental advertising market.
Read also:
- Kazakhstan's National Bank Boosts Currency Sales to $1.4 Trillion in Q4
- Federal petition from CEI seeking federal intervention against state climate disclosure laws, alleging these laws negatively impact interstate commerce and surpass constitutional boundaries.
- Duty on cotton imported into India remains unchanged, as U.S. tariffs escalate to their most severe levels yet
- Steak 'n Shake CEO's supposed poor leadership criticism sparks retaliation from Cracker Barrel, accusing him of self-interest
