Master Zillow Rental Manager in 9 Steps

Zillow has become a household name in real estate, offering tools and services for home buyers, sellers, renters, and investors. From its robust rental platform to its stock market performance and localized insights for regions like New Jersey (NJ), Zillow provides a wealth of resources. This article explores Zillow’s rental services, Zillow Rental Manager, its stock performance, and its relevance in NJ, while providing a step-by-step guide to crafting effective rental listings. Whether you’re a landlord, renter, or investor, this guide will help you navigate Zillow’s offerings.

What is Zillow?

Zillow is a leading online real estate marketplace that connects buyers, sellers, renters, and landlords. Founded in 2006, it provides tools like Zestimates (estimated home values), rental listings, and property management solutions. Zillow’s ecosystem includes Zillow Rentals, Zillow Rental Manager, Zillow Home Loans, and sites like Trulia and HotPads. Its user-friendly interface and data-driven insights make it a go-to platform for real estate needs.

Zillow Rentals: A Hub for Renters and Landlords

Zillow Rentals is a dedicated platform for listing and finding rental properties across the U.S. It allows landlords to post listings for free, reaching millions of potential renters through Zillow, Trulia, and HotPads. Renters can filter listings by price, location, amenities, and pet policies, making it easy to find a suitable home.

Key Features of Zillow Rentals

Free Listings: Landlords can post rentals without upfront costs, with an option to upgrade to Premium for increased visibility.
3D Tours: Zillow’s free 3D tour app enables landlords to create virtual tours, enhancing listings and attracting more leads.
Rent Zestimate: This tool provides an estimated rental price based on property attributes, local market rates, and comparable rentals.
Tenant Screening: Landlords can access credit reports, background checks, and eviction histories through Zillow’s platform.
Online Applications: Renters can apply online, streamlining the process with a one-time fee for unlimited applications over 30 days.

However, some users note that Zillow’s leads can be low quality, with many inquiries not resulting in follow-ups. Additionally, its Rent Zestimate may not account for unique property features or recent renovations, requiring landlords to cross-check pricing.

Zillow Rental Manager: Streamlining Property Management

Zillow Rental Manager is a free tool designed for landlords managing small portfolios. It simplifies listing creation, tenant screening, lease signing, and rent collection. Here’s how it works:

Features of Zillow Rental Manager

Listing Syndication: Listings are shared across Zillow, Trulia, and HotPads, maximizing exposure.
Tenant Screening: Includes credit reports from Experian, background checks, and eviction history, available within minutes.
Online Rent Collection: Landlords can collect rent via ACH, debit, or credit, free for ACH payments.
Lease Creation: Customizable lease templates are available in select states, with e-sign capabilities.
Premium Listings: For $29.99, landlords can boost listings for 90 days, increasing visibility.

Limitations

Zillow Rental Manager lacks advanced features like maintenance request tracking or detailed financial reporting, making it less suitable for large portfolios. Customer support has mixed reviews, with no direct phone support and slow response times for urgent issues.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Rental Listing on Zillow

Crafting an effective rental listing is crucial to attracting qualified tenants. Follow these steps to create a compelling listing on Zillow Rental Manager:

Step 1: Create a Zillow Rental Manager Account

Visit Zillow.com and sign up for a free account using your email, Google, or Facebook credentials.
Log in to Zillow Rental Manager using the same credentials.

Step 2: Add Your Property

Navigate to the “Properties” page and click “Add a property.”
Enter the full address, unit number (if applicable), and property type (e.g., house, apartment, townhouse).
Ensure the address is accurate, as it cannot be edited after activation unless cloned.

Step 3: Fill Out Listing Details

Provide basic information: rent price, security deposit, square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and lease duration.
Use the Rent Zestimate tool to set a competitive price, but verify with local market data.
Select amenities (e.g., in-unit laundry, pet-friendly policies) and add custom details like “fenced backyard” to enhance searchability.

Step 4: Write a Compelling Description

Highlight unique features like natural light, walk-in closets, or energy-efficient appliances.
Mention neighborhood highlights, such as proximity to transit, restaurants, or parks, while avoiding fair housing violations (e.g., “adults only”).
Keep the description concise (around 250 words) and engaging, using keywords like “quartz countertops” or “subway tile” to attract renters.
Example: “Welcome to this modern 2-bed, 1-bath apartment in the heart of NJ! Enjoy a newly renovated kitchen with quartz countertops, in-unit laundry, and a pet-friendly policy. Steps from local cafes and public transit.”

Step 5: Add High-Quality Media

Upload high-definition photos with good lighting to showcase the property.
Consider creating a 3D virtual tour using Zillow’s free app to stand out.
Include a floor plan to help renters visualize the layout (52% of renters find this important).

Step 6: Provide Contact Information

Enter your phone number and email for renter inquiries. Verify your phone number to reduce scam listings.
Opt for a routing phone number to manage leads and reduce spam.

Step 7: Review and Publish

Proofread your listing for spelling errors and ensure all details are accurate.
Choose between a free listing or a Premium upgrade for increased exposure.
Click “Publish” to post the listing across Zillow, Trulia, and HotPads. It may take up to 24 hours to appear.

Step 8: Manage Applications and Screen Tenants

Enable online applications to collect renter information, including residence history, income, and pet details.
Review credit reports, background checks, and eviction histories to select qualified tenants.
Communicate promptly with applicants to maintain interest.

Step 9: Collect Rent and Sign Leases

Use Zillow Rental Manager to send digital rent receipts and collect payments securely.
Create and e-sign leases in supported states or upload your own.

Tips for Success

Post listings on Thursdays to maximize tour availability for weekends.
Respond to inquiries quickly to avoid losing leads, despite potential low-quality inquiries.
Regularly update listings to reflect changes in availability or pricing.

Zillow Stock Performance

Zillow Group, Inc. (ticker: Z) is publicly traded, and its stock performance reflects its position in the real estate tech market. As of June 25, 2025, Zillow’s stock price is $70.455 per share, with a market cap of approximately $16.33 billion. Here’s a snapshot of its performance (refer to the finance card above for details):

Daily Metrics: Opened at $70.399, reached a high of $71.279, and a low of $70.37.
Monthly Trend: Over the past month, the stock rose from $67.24 (May 27, 2025) to $70.455, showing steady growth.
Yearly Trend: From June 2024 ($46.39) to June 2025 ($70.455), the stock gained 52%, though it’s below its year-high of $89.39.
Historical Context: Zillow’s stock peaked at $143.19 in 2020 but has faced volatility due to market shifts and its exit from iBuying (Zillow Offers).

Investors should note that Zillow’s revenue has been impacted by a slowing buy-sell market, prompting a focus on rentals and premium services. Always consult a financial advisor before investing, as stock prices fluctuate.

Zillow in New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey’s real estate market is diverse, with urban hubs like Jersey City and suburban areas like Montclair attracting renters and buyers. Zillow’s platform is widely used in NJ for its comprehensive listings and tools tailored to local needs.

Zillow’s Role in NJ

Rental Listings: NJ landlords can use Zillow Rental Manager to list properties in high-demand areas like Hoboken or Newark, leveraging tools like Rent Zestimate to price competitively.
Home Search: Renters and buyers can filter NJ listings by price, amenities, or proximity to NYC transit.
Local Regulations: NJ landlords must comply with state laws on security deposits and tenant screening. Zillow provides guidance on legal considerations, such as avoiding discriminatory language in listings.

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Market Insights: NJ’s rental market varies by region, with higher demand in urban areas near NYC. Zillow’s data helps landlords set competitive prices based on local comps.

NJ-Specific Tips

Highlight NJ-specific amenities like proximity to NJ Transit or PATH stations.
Be aware of NJ’s rent control laws in certain municipalities when setting prices.
Use keywords like “commuter-friendly” or “near NYC” to attract renters.

Challenges and Considerations

While Zillow is a powerful tool, it has limitations:

Lead Quality: Some landlords report low-quality leads, requiring time to filter inquiries.
Accuracy: Zestimates and Rent Zestimates may not fully account for local market nuances or property upgrades.
Competition: In NJ’s competitive market, high-quality photos and detailed descriptions are essential to stand out.

Conclusion

Zillow is a versatile platform that empowers renters, landlords, and investors with tools like Zillow Rentals and Zillow Rental Manager. Its stock performance reflects its evolving role in the real estate market, while its localized features make it valuable in regions like New Jersey. By following the step-by-step guide to creating listings, landlords can maximize their reach and efficiency. Whether you’re renting out a property, searching for a home, or tracking Zillow’s stock, the platform offers a wealth of resources to navigate the real estate landscape.