Multifamily operators are under pressure to respond to leads quickly, convert more of those leads into signed leases, and do it all with leaner teams. This comes at a time when nearly 37% of rental listings on Zillow are offering concessions — the highest share we’ve ever tracked — showing just how competitive the market is.
Zillow Rentals® is stepping in with a first-of-its-kind solution: AI Assist, a built-in leasing assistant powered by EliseAI.
Launching today, AI Assist makes Zillow the only rental marketplace with an exclusive embedded AI leasing experience. The feature is available free to eligible multifamily partners1, helping them engage every prospect 24/7.
What is AI Assist?
AI Assist is a smart leasing assistant, directly embedded in Zillow multifamily listings. It engages renters after they’ve submitted an inquiry, ensuring that every prospect who reaches out gets a timely response.
- Instant renter engagement: Every inquiry gets an immediate response — with answers on the spot when possible, or a clear handoff for follow-up when needed.
- Tour scheduling built in: Renters can book directly within Zillow.
- Seamless integration: Operators deciding to use EliseAI can connect it to their existing property management system, so there’s no need to learn a new system or manage leads in multiple places. With EliseAI powering the experience, AI Assist works hand in hand with the tools that operators already use every day.
- Exclusive to Zillow: No other rental marketplace offers a native EliseAI-powered experience.
“AI Assist meets renters at the exact moment they’re ready to take their next step,” said Michael Sherman, senior vice president of Zillow Rentals. “Instead of waiting on a response, prospective tenants can ask questions or lock in a tour right on Zillow. For our partners, that means stronger engagement, faster follow-ups and a better chance of turning every lead into a lease.”
Why it matters for partners
For multifamily teams, missed leads may mean missed leases. AI Assist ensures that every renter who reaches out through Zillow gets a timely, professional response.
- Always on: AI-powered leasing chat engages prospects automatically, even after hours.
- Higher ROI on Zillow: By capturing more leads through immediate engagement, partners increase their opportunities to convert those leads into leases and get more value out of their Zillow investment.
- Free and frictionless: Available to eligible multifamily partners at no additional cost.
“Thanks to our live integration with Zillow, EliseAI helps operators instantly connect with renters right when they start looking,” said Minna Song, chief executive officer of EliseAI. “This means faster replies, fewer missed leads and a smoother leasing process for teams. At the same time, renters enjoy a quicker, more seamless experience finding their next home.”
From promise to product
In June 2025, Zillow announced a strategic partnership with EliseAI to bring cutting-edge AI to the rental space. Just a few months later, AI Assist is live.
This launch underscores Zillow’s commitment to giving multifamily operators tools that:
- Automate lead response without adding to workload.
- Drive higher-value conversations for leasing teams.
- Set a new standard for renter engagement across the industry.
With this launch, Zillow is the only rental marketplace to embed EliseAI directly into listings, giving multifamily operators a built-in advantage to capture every lead and maximize every opportunity.
1 AI Assist is available at no additional cost to all multifamily partners with an active Zillow Rentals advertising package.