M
ary Cunningham, a CBS MoneyWatch reporter who previously worked on “60 Minutes,” CBSNews.com and CBS News 24/7 through the CBS News Associate Program, reports that the Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The suit accuses Zillow of paying its rival Redfin $100 million to halt competition in the online rental‑ad market, a move the FTC says violates federal antitrust law.

    According to the complaint, Zillow and Redfin agreed in February that Redfin would withdraw from the multifamily‑property advertising arena for nine years and help transfer its customers to Zillow. The FTC’s Bureau of Competition director, Daniel Guarnera, warned that “paying off a competitor to stop competing is a violation of antitrust laws” and that the deal “eliminates Redfin as an independent competitor in an already concentrated advertising market that is critical for renters, property managers and the health of the U.S. housing market.”

    Zillow’s spokesperson countered that the partnership is pro‑competitive, claiming it expands renters’ access to multifamily listings across multiple platforms and connects property managers with high‑intent renters. Redfin’s representative said the company “strongly disagrees” with the allegations, noting that the collaboration has provided its visitors and advertising clients with a broader range of rental options.

    The lawsuit was released on September 30, 2025 at 6:13 PM EDT by CBS News.