The partnership will enable renters to complete more of the journey in one place while property managers keep working in the Funnel tools they already use
Zillow and Funnel are partnering to build a more connected rental experience designed to make handoffs clearer and more direct for renters and property managers alike – from initial inquiry, to touring, to applications and messaging.
The integration connects Zillow’s rental audience with Funnel’s front-office-only AI platform, so renters can complete more of the journey in one place, while property managers keep working in the Funnel tools they already use.
“Searching for a home often feels like a series of separate systems, from new sites to the same questions over and over again,” said Michael Sherman, senior vice president, Zillow Rentals. “The goal of this partnership is to make each step feel like a continuation of the renter’s journey, instead of a restart. Elevating entry points to the systems property managers already run is how we do that efficiently for both sides of the marketplace.”
What's new
Available now for select customers
Instant tour scheduling
Renters can book property tours directly from Zillow for participating Funnel-integrated properties, with tour status visible on Zillow.
Coming soon
Application starts with prefill to help renters apply faster and build trust in the handoff
Repeated data entry adds time and effort to applying for a home. A better shopping experience streamlines that step.
Through this partnership, renters will be able to start a property manager’s Funnel rental application from a Zillow listing, pre-filled with information they’ve previously shared with Zillow. Renters can review that information, confirm their details, and continue the application in Funnel.
A clearly labeled transition will explain where they're going and why, and they will be able to follow application status back on Zillow. That clarity, together with email verification, helps build renters’ trust as they share sensitive personal information and continue into the property manager’s application. For property managers, this creates a more connected path for renters who are ready to apply.
Renter Journey Tracking
Funnel will share lifecycle updates, including tour and application status, back to Zillow. This supports one consolidated view for renters to track their rental journey across properties on Zillow.
In 2027
Messaging in Zillow Inbox
Property manager communications will be mirrored in the renter's Zillow Inbox, giving renters one place to follow the conversation while leasing teams continue communicating in Funnel.
Building for both sides of the rental
A renter’s search is a crowded place: Zillow research shows that 41% of recent renters used between five and nine sites or apps to find their next home, up from 35% in 2025. Each added site is another handoff. Property managers invest in getting their communities discovered amid all of it, and the Zillow and Funnel partnership is designed to carry that initial interest into the next steps of the leasing journey, giving renters a clearer path forward and property managers more visibility into where those leads go.
“Our data shows that while most renters still want human connection during their search—especially around touring—roughly 25% are ready to apply immediately without ever setting foot on the property,” said Tyler Christiansen, CEO, Funnel. “This partnership with Zillow meets those high-intent renters exactly where they are, eliminating unnecessary friction and enabling direct conversion from ILS search to application."
Together, Zillow and Funnel are creating a smoother path from “I found my place” to “I’m applying.” The integration supports Zillow’s broader vision to simplify the rental process for renters and housing providers and its mission to help more people get home.
