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Zillow and Esusu Join Forces to Transform Credit Building for Renters

In a significant move aimed at empowering renters across the United States, Zillow® has announced a new partnership with Esusu, a leading financial technology platform renowned for its innovative rent reporting solutions. This collaboration marks an important milestone in making credit-building resources more accessible for renters. Starting in November 2025, any renter, regardless of their payment method, can report their on-time rent payments to all major credit bureaus for a nominal fee of just $20 per year.

Enhancing Financial Readiness for Renters

Traditionally, rent payments have not contributed to building a renter’s credit history, which poses a challenge for millions aiming for financial stability and homeownership. According to recent data, approximately 87% of renters do not have their timely rent payments reflected in their credit reports— a problem that many individuals face when trying to secure loans for a home purchase. With this new initiative from Zillow and Esusu, renters will have the opportunity to leverage their payment history to improve their credit scores and financial prospects.

Zillow initially launched a free rent reporting service in early 2024 for those paying rent via its platform. Over the past year, they successfully reported on-time payments for more than 141,000 renters. Through this partnership with Esusu, they hope to dramatically expand this service, ultimately assisting millions more renters in building a reliable credit history.

What Does the Process Look Like?

The process for renters is designed to be simple and straightforward. Once the renter verifies their lease details and chosen payment method, Zillow and Esusu will handle the subsequent reporting to credit bureaus. Renters will not only be able to view their credit score improvement over time but also gain insights into how responsible renting behaviors contribute to their financial health.

Michael Sherman, Senior Vice President of Zillow Rentals, emphasized the importance of recognizing rent payments in the credit scoring system. He stated, “Paying rent is often a renter's biggest and most consistent monthly expense. It makes sense that this payment should help build their credit.” This initiative seeks to empower renters to take control of their financial futures and support Zillow’s mission of being a dependable partner throughout their housing journey.

The Impact of Rent Reporting

Esusu Co-Founders and Co-CEOs Wemimo Abbey and Samir Goel highlighted the broader mission behind this partnership. “At Esusu, we believe everyone deserves credit for paying their rent on time. By including rent in the credit system, we're helping to build economic mobility and unlock the American Dream for millions.” The technology developed by Esusu has demonstrated tangible benefits for users, with participants often experiencing an average credit score increase of 45 points, making it easier to secure favorable loan terms in the future.

The significance of this partnership is further emphasized by recent regulatory changes that enable Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to consider rental payment histories in their lending practices. Such developments could pave the way for borrowers to unlock mortgages worth over $30 billion, showcasing the tangible benefits of rent reporting to both renters and lenders alike.

Sign Up for Credit Building Today

Renters interested in this new opportunity to enhance their credit scores can sign up directly via Zillow’s portal, giving them a hassle-free way to ensure their monthly rent payments contribute positively to their financial profiles. More detailed information regarding this program is accessible at the official Zillow website.

Through this transformative partnership, Zillow and Esusu strive to provide renters greater access to credit-building resources, showcasing a commitment to fostering economic growth and promoting responsible renting as a pathway to financial progress and homeownership. As these strategies roll out, they promise to significantly impact the American rental landscape, ultimately benefiting both renters and the housing market as a whole.