Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, along with several other states, has filed a lawsuit against Zillow and Redfin. The case centers on a $100 million agreement in which Zillow paid Redfin to shut down its online rental listings.
Key points:
- The lawsuit alleges the deal reduces competition and will increase advertising costs for landlords, which could push rents higher.
- The Federal Trade Commission also filed an antitrust lawsuit, calling the deal “a violation of federal antitrust laws”.
- Zillow defends the deal, saying it gives renters more access to listings and benefits property managers.
- Metro Phoenix rents are already up ~30% since 2020, far outpacing incomes.
For Arizona landlords, this fight highlights how major platforms can shape advertising costs and influence rent levels. Independent property managers may need to find alternative listing strategies if consolidation limits competition.