Zillow Launches New Features—Could Save Users "Thousands" in Extra Rent

US portal giant Zillow has launched a new feature that lets users filter search results by move-in date, a move that the company says could save users thousands of dollars in extra rent.

Renters, Zillow says, will be able to avoid "double" rent payments by paying off pre-existing leases after signing an agreement to move. Renters will also be able to track applications, communicate with property managers, and manage payments through Zillow.

Dubbed the "Renter Hub", users  lets people looking for rental properties communicate directly to property managers through Zillow's app—with Zillow saying it wants to simplify the renting process by keeping the entire renting experience in-house.

The change comes as real estate portals fight to capture long-term renters who can't afford a home purchase, with many portals worldwide transforming their business model to become end-to-end platforms capable of managing and completing home purchases and rental agreements from one place.

Christopher Roberts, senior vice president and general manager of Zillow Rentals, said:

"If you’ve ever been a renter, you know how stress-inducing the search process is. Sorting through emails and keeping track of all the landlords or leasing offices you’ve contacted is a hassle on its own. Now that the rentals market is more expensive than ever, ensuring lease start and end dates align is critical to avoid paying rent for two homes at once.

“Our Renter Hub upgrades and new search filters give renters confidence they are exclusively seeing the homes that fit their needs — including their move-in timing and their budget — and that they aren’t missing any messages from prospective landlords, even on the go."

Zillow is also working on a feature that will suggest properties to searchers based on popular criteria, including on-site parking for properties in dense urban areas, and air-conditioning in particularly hot locales.

Zillow's recent technological advances are no accident. The company already lets users search in up to five areas at once, and it also launched a free-to-use AI floor plan tool available for use on all portals.

The company released its Q2 figures this month, with Zillow saying its iBuying shutdown is progressing faster than planned with technological advancements a priority.