Rental-hunting season hits fever pitch as June begins, Zillow data shows
Rhea-AI Summary
Zillow reports that rental-hunting activity is reaching its peak as June 2025 approaches, with website traffic, landlord messages, and applications typically peaking in the first week of June. The platform is experiencing higher activity compared to previous years, with rental households hitting a record high of 46 million. Zillow currently hosts over 2 million active listings, surpassing any other rental network.
While 2024 saw the largest rental construction boom since the 1970s, lease concessions are declining, with the share of listings offering incentives dropping from 40% in March to under 35% in April. Renters, who are nearly four times more likely to move than homeowners, can utilize Zillow's tools including move-in-date filters, 3D tours, and rent affordability calculators to streamline their search and maintain their budget.
Positive
- Record-high 46 million rental households indicates strong market demand
- Over 2 million active listings on platform, highest among rental networks
- Increased rental activity compared to past two years
- 2024 saw largest rental construction boom since 1970s
Negative
- Lease concessions declining from 40% to under 35%, indicating less favorable terms for renters
- Increased competition during peak rental season could lead to higher prices
- Higher rental activity suggests more competition for available units
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Smart search tips to beat the competition and bag the perfect pad without overspending
- Website traffic, messages to landlords and applications on Zillow Rentals typically peak in the first week of June.
- Renter households are at a record high, and renters are far more likely to move than homeowners.
- 2025 is shaping up to be even busier than recent years, with more activity to date on Zillow Rentals.
With rental households at a record high, the 2025 rental season is shaping up to be one of the busiest yet.
"Summer is always a busy time for rentals, but it's also when the most new listings hit the market," said Emily McDonald, Zillow rental trends expert. "Knowing when demand spikes can help renters plan ahead, act quickly and use smart tools to find a place that checks all their boxes without blowing their budget. You'll still have options later if you miss the rush, but you might miss out on freebies available now."
A record-setting year for renters
Rental activity on Zillow is already outpacing the past two years in terms of apartment views, lease creations and rental applications, a sign that this year's peak could be even higher. A record-high 46 million households rent, and renters are nearly four times more likely to move than homeowners, according to the
Demand is up, but options abound. Zillow has more than 2 million active listings including single-family rentals, apartment units and condos, an all-time high for the platform with more listings than any other rental network.1
A construction boom added more new rental units in 2024 than in any year since the 1970s, but the wave of lease concessions used to attract tenants is starting to ebb. According to Zillow's latest Rental Market Report, the share of listings offering incentives like a free month's rent dropped from nearly
Tips to outsmart the rush and avoid affordability potholes:
Search smarter. Move-in-date filters, pet-friendly toggles, 3D tours and interactive floor plans on Zillow Rentals streamline the search process.
Know the full cost. Zillow Rentals listings include a Costs & Fees section to break down what renters can expect to pay upfront and on a monthly basis.
Avoid budget creep. Staying within their initial budget was considered highly important by
Build financial momentum. Renting a room is a time-honored method of saving money, and it's easy to do on Zillow. Paying rent through Zillow can also help renters build their credit. On-time payments can be reported to Experian and Equifax at no cost, helping build credit history with every month's payment.
1 Zillow internal data on total rental properties compared to Apartments.com data published on its website and investor materials, March 2025.
2 New privately-owned housing units completed: Units in buildings with five or more. https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/COMPU5MUSA
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
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.
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SOURCE Zillow