Every month, tens of millions of renters pay their biggest bill: rent. But unlike a mortgage or a credit card payment, those on-time payments rarely count toward building credit. That means millions of people are doing everything right financially, yet still get left out of opportunities that a strong credit history can unlock.
Zillow is changing that.
More than 140,000 renters have already chosen to build credit through Zillow by reporting their on-time rent payments to major credit bureaus — and starting in November 2025, every renter will be able to do the same. Soon, through a partnership with Esusu, renters will be able to pay an annual $20 fee and have their rent payments reported to credit bureaus to help build credit, even if they don’t pay rent through Zillow.
Earlier this year, the Federal Housing Finance Administration authorized Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to accept loans using VantageScore 4.0. This significant change better incorporates rental payment history into the lending process. And for the 58% of renters who say they want to buy a home, it could lead to expanded access to homeownership and generational wealth building for Americans, especially first-time and first-generation buyers.
A fairer system for renters
Rent reporting helps address one of the biggest blind spots in the credit system. Renters — particularly younger, Black and Latino households — are more likely to be among the 26 million Americans who are “credit invisible,” meaning they have too little or no credit history to access loans, credit cards or, eventually, a mortgage.
Zillow research shows that Black mortgage applicants are more likely to be denied than other applicants, primarily due to credit score issues. In 2023, 24% of Black applicants were denied a mortgage, compared to just 13% for all applicants on average, and 43% of denials for Black mortgage applicants were caused by a lack of credit history. That inequity ripples through generations, keeping many households locked out of homeownership and wealth-building opportunities.
Rent reporting is a simple but powerful step forward. It gives renters credit for something they’re already doing — paying their rent on time — helping them build a financial foundation for the future.
Real progress, real momentum
Since the program launched in 2024, renters have embraced this opportunity. More than 141,000 people have opted in, including nearly 57,000 so far in 2025. Today, 63% of renters who pay rent through Zillow choose to report it to Experian and Equifax at no cost.
Each of those renters represents a story of financial progress — a step toward better loan terms, more stability and, for many, building a bridge to homeownership.
A broader commitment to a better rental market
Zillow’s rent reporting program is part of a larger effort to make the rental market more fair, affordable and accessible for everyone. The company is advancing several initiatives that put power back in the hands of consumers:
- One application to unlock more doors: Application fees over and over during a rental search is a common — and expensive — frustration. Zillow’s universal application helps solve that by letting renters apply once and use that same application for unlimited participating properties for 30 days. It’s easier, cheaper and reduces the stress of chasing multiple landlords with duplicate paperwork. A typical renter who pays $35 for Zillow’s universal application uses it to submit more than three applications, a significant savings considering our data shows the average application for a single rental costs $50.
- Upfront costs and fees, made clear: Budgeting for rent shouldn’t feel like guesswork. We introduced a Total Price breakdown to shine a light on all the expenses that come with a lease, from deposits and administrative fees to monthly pet rent or parking. It’s a change renters asked for: 80% say staying within budget is the most important factor when choosing a home. Now, renters have more insight into potentially hidden charges, and can compare listings with confidence and plan ahead.
- Expanding choices and fair access: Zillow partners with other trusted platforms, including Redfin and Realtor.com, to share multifamily rental listings. These partnerships give renters more visibility into available homes, a simpler search experience and the option to shop for rental listings on the platform of their choice.
- Making payments simple and reliable: Through Zillow Rental Manager, renters can pay online, set up recurring payments and receive reminders. Not only does this help avoid late fees, but for those who opt into credit reporting, each on-time payment can build their credit history, too.
- Standing up for renters: Across the country, we’ve led and supported forward-looking housing policies, from supporting the White House’s efforts to increase responsible access to homeownership through credit score competition to backing New York City’s FARE Act to eliminate hidden rental fees and reduce upfront costs to co-developing the Build the Middle Playbook in partnership with the Casita Coalition to help expand affordable housing supply for working families across the country.
Together, these initiatives share a common goal: reducing friction, increasing fairness, easing affordability strains and helping more people find and secure a home that fits their life. Zillow will keep working with partners, policymakers and renters themselves to make sure credit, transparency and affordability are built into every step of the housing journey.
Because everyone deserves a fair shot at home — whether they rent or own.
Learn more about Zillow’s efforts and join us to make housing fairer and more accessible at advocacy.zillowgroup.com.