Zillow is helping 78,000 renters and counting turn monthly bills into credit progress
Rhea-AI Summary
Zillow (Nasdaq: Z, ZG) reports that since launching its free rent reporting program in 2024, it has submitted more than 1.78 million on-time rent payments to major credit bureaus. In July 2026 alone, over 78,000 renters had payments reported, a 26% increase year over year, indicating growing use of tools that convert rent into credit history.
According to Zillow, nearly one-third of 2025 mortgage denials were due to insufficient credit history. Through its in-app rent reporting and the Esusu-powered CreditClimb tool, renters can have on-time payments reported even if they do not pay rent via Zillow, with Esusu users seeing an average 53‑point credit score increase.
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Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 25 | Conference presentation | Neutral | -3.0% | Scheduled Goldman Sachs conference presentation preceded a negative 24-hour price reaction. |
| Aug 24 | FTC lawsuit resolution | Positive | +3.2% | Resolution preserved the Redfin partnership and expanded multifamily listing distribution. |
| Aug 20 | Housing affordability analysis | Negative | -2.3% | Analysis highlighted extended home-purchase savings and break-even timelines across U.S. markets. |
| Aug 18 | Rent market analysis | Neutral | +2.7% | Report detailed rising rents, concessions, and the income gap versus mortgage affordability. |
| Aug 13 | Rent burden analysis | Negative | +8.2% | Analysis showed families with children faced higher rent burdens and limited bedroom availability. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Zillow's recent news responses were mixed: positive partnership and rent data aligned with gains, while a conference notice and affordability-related items produced divergent reactions.
Key Terms
vantagescore 4.0 financial
debt-to-income ratio financial
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Zillow has reported nearly 2 million on-time rent payments to credit bureaus for free since launching its rent reporting program in 2024
- In July, more than 78,000 renters who paid on time through Zillow had their payments reported to credit bureaus. That's
26% more than a year ago, reflecting strong demand for tools that translate rent into credit history. - Insufficient credit history was responsible for nearly one-third of mortgage application denials in 2025, edging debt-to-income ratio as the most common reason cited.
- Nearly 4 million
U.S . renters could become eligible for a mortgage by having their on-time rent payments reflected in their credit history, per VantageScore.
More than one-third of renters planning a near-term move say they plan to buy their next home, but the credit barrier too often stands in the way. Zillow's rent reporting programs let renters build credit history with payments they're already making. Those who pay their rent on Zillow can choose to have those on-time payments reported to major credit bureaus for free.
Zillow is continuing to help a growing number of renters build their credit history via this program. More than 78,000 renters had payments reported in July, the most in any single month since the program launched, and up
"Affordability is the headline in housing right now, and access to financing is a very important part of the story," said Michael Sherman, general manager and senior vice president of Zillow Rentals®. "Credit history is a barrier standing in the way of too many potential buyers. Rent reporting is a direct way to address that."
Rent reporting could move millions of renters closer to a mortgage. A report by VantageScore found that nearly 4 million homebuying age renters could become eligible for a mortgage — reaching a VantageScore 4.0 of 620 or higher — when on-time rent payments are reflected in their credit history.
In November 2025, Zillow expanded its rent reporting program to all renters via its CreditClimb tool, powered by Esusu. This additional offering means that every renter — even those who do not pay on Zillow — can now have their on-time rent payments reported to credit bureaus. Renters who consistently report their payments in Esusu-powered programs like CreditClimb have seen an average credit score increase of 53 points.
"Every on-time rent payment is evidence of the financial responsibility lenders want to see. We are giving renters ways to get credit for what they are already doing every month," Sherman said. "These programs are part of how Zillow supports people wherever they are, from finding a rental, to building credit, to eventually connecting them with a great agent or loan officer when they are ready to buy."
For renters ready to take the next step, Zillow offers tools to help them understand what they can afford and find available assistance. BuyAbility℠ gives buyers a personalized estimate of what they can afford based on their finances and current mortgage rates. Zillow for-sale listings also include down payment assistance programs buyers may qualify for in their area, helping address another common barrier to homeownership.
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 connects hundreds of millions of consumers with innovative technology, trusted agents and loan officers, and seamless digital solutions. With industry-leading tools and resources, Zillow supercharges real estate professionals so they can grow their businesses and deliver exceptional client experiences. For renters and housing providers, Zillow offers not only a robust marketplace but a set of end-to-end products and services to streamline applications, leases, payments and more.
Zillow's ecosystem spans the entire home journey — from dreaming and shopping to renting, buying, selling and financing.
Zillow Group's affiliates, subsidiaries and brands include Zillow®, Zillow Premier Agent®, Zillow Home Loans®, Zillow Rentals®, Zillow® New Construction, Trulia®, StreetEasy®, Out East®, HotPads®, Follow Up Boss®, ShowingTime®, dotloop® and Zillow® Closing.
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). © 2026 MFTB Holdco, Inc., a Zillow affiliate.
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1 Source: Zillow analysis of 2025 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data. Credit history was cited for |
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SOURCE Zillow