Zillow and Esusu partner to expand credit-building for renters nationwide

Rhea-AI Summary

Zillow (NYSE:ZG) and Esusu announced a partnership to expand rent payment reporting nationwide on Oct. 14, 2025. Beginning in November, any renter can have on-time rent payments reported to major credit bureaus for $20 per year after verifying lease details and payment method.

Zillow previously reported payments for more than 141,000 renters after launching free reporting in early 2024; Esusu reports an average +45 point credit-score gain and its users have unlocked over $30 billion in mortgages.

Positive

• $20 per year rent-reporting price lowers access barrier
• Reported on-time payments for 141,000 renters since early 2024
• Esusu reports an average +45 point credit score increase
• Esusu users have unlocked over $30 billion in mortgages

Negative

• None.

Insights

Housing finance analyst

Partnership expands low-cost rent-reporting to millions, potentially widening credit access for renters.

Zillow's deal with Esusu turns rent payments into credit-building records for non-Zillow payers at $20 per year, with enrollment starting in November. The mechanism is straightforward: renters verify lease and payment method, and the partners report on-time payments to major credit bureaus each month. Zillow previously reported for more than 141,000 renters; Esusu reports an average credit improvement of 45 points for participating renters.

The main dependencies are adoption and data accuracy. Benefits rely on renters opting in and providing verifiable payment records and on credit bureaus accepting the feeds; the press release notes increased relevancy after the Administration allowed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to accept VantageScore 4.0. Risks include low signup rates among hard-to-reach renters, reporting errors, and unclear recurring opt-in retention. The claim that participants "unlocked" over $30 billion in mortgages is a headline figure tied to Esusu's reported results and should be tracked for verification.

Watch enrollment trends and reported credit-score deltas over the next 6–12 months and monitor any public metrics Zillow or Esusu publish on monthly signups, error rates, and measurable moves toward mortgage applications; near-term signals by Q2 2026 would indicate whether this scales beyond an early-adopter effect.

Groundbreaking partnership allows any renter to report rent payments for as little as $20 per year

SEATTLE and NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Renters who pay on time deserve credit for it. Zillow® is expanding its rent reporting capabilities through a new partnership with Esusu, making it easier for millions of renters to build their credit history and improve financial readiness for their next move.

Under this expansion, any renter — not just those paying rent through Zillow — can now have their on-time rent payments reported to all major credit bureaus for $20 per year. Starting in November, renters simply verify their lease details and payment method, and Zillow and Esusu handle the rest. 

Zillow first launched free rent reporting in early 2024 for renters who pay through Zillow, and so far has reported on-time payments to help more than 141,000 renters. Esusu, the market leader in rent reporting, has seen an average positive credit score increase of 45 points for renters in its program. With this partnership, Zillow and Esusu aim to reach millions more renters, especially those seeking to improve their credit standing and move closer to homeownership.

"Paying rent is often a renter's biggest and most consistent monthly expense. It makes sense that this payment should help build their credit." said Michael Sherman, senior vice president of Zillow Rentals. "By expanding rent reporting, we're helping more renters build their credit history and take control of their financial future while reinforcing Zillow's role as a trusted partner throughout their housing journey."

Rent reporting is a key part of Zillow's broader effort to help renters and buyers access and afford housing. About 87% of renters don't currently see their rent payments reflected in their credit reports — a gap that can hold back those with limited or no credit history. By making credit-building easier and more accessible, Zillow and Esusu are helping more renters turn responsible renting into real financial progress.

"At Esusu, we believe everyone deserves credit for paying their rent on time. By including rent in the credit system, we're helping to build economic mobility and unlock the American Dream for millions," said Esusu Co-Founders and Co-CEOs Wemimo Abbey and Samir Goel. "We are proud to partner with Zillow to reimagine financial access and open the pathway to homeownership and generational wealth." 

The Administration's announcement earlier this year authorizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to accept loans using VantageScore 4.0 makes rental payment reporting more impactful than ever. These significant changes better incorporate rental payment history into the lending process, which could expand access to the American Dream of homeownership through rent reporting. Illustratively, renters on the Esusu platform have unlocked over $30 billion in mortgages after participating in rent reporting.

Renters can sign up for rent reporting directly through Zillow to start having their payments reported each month. More information about Zillow's current program is available at Zillow.com/rent/rent-reporting.

About Zillow Group
Zillow Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: Z and ZG) is reimagining real estate to make home a reality for more and more people. As the most visited real estate app and website in the United States, Zillow and its affiliates help people find and get the home they want by connecting them with digital solutions, dedicated real estate professionals, and easier buying, selling, financing, and renting experiences. 

Zillow Group's affiliates, subsidiaries and brands include Zillow®, Zillow Premier Agent®, Zillow Home Loans℠, Zillow Rentals®, Trulia®, Out East®, StreetEasy®, HotPads®, ShowingTime+℠, Spruce®, and Follow Up Boss®. 

All marks herein are owned by MFTB Holdco, Inc., a Zillow affiliate. Zillow Home Loans, LLC is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #10287 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). © 2025 MFTB Holdco, Inc., a Zillow affiliate.

About Esusu
Esusu is the leading financial technology platform that leverages data solutions to empower residents and improve property performance. Esusu's rent reporting platform captures rental payment data and reports it to credit bureaus to boost credit scores. Founded in 2018, Esusu reaches over 5 million rental units and 12 million renters across all 50 states in the United States. Learn more at www.esusurent.com.

 

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SOURCE Zillow

FAQ

When does Zillow (ZG) start expanded rent reporting with Esusu?

The expanded program begins in November 2025, following the Oct. 14, 2025 announcement.

How much does rent reporting cost for renters via Zillow (ZG) and Esusu?

Renters can have payments reported to credit bureaus for $20 per year.

How many renters has Zillow (ZG) reported on-time payments for so far?

Since launching free reporting in early 2024, Zillow has reported on-time payments for over 141,000 renters.

What credit improvement does Esusu report for renters in the program?

Esusu reports an average credit score increase of 45 points for participating renters.

How does Zillow (ZG) rent reporting affect mortgage access?

Esusu users have unlocked more than $30 billion in mortgages after participating in rent reporting.

How do renters sign up to have rent reported through Zillow (ZG)?

Renters verify lease details and payment method through Zillow and can sign up at Zillow.com/rent/rent-reporting.