How to find rentals on Zillow
Another great resource for finding rentals in your area is through Zillow. Here we break down the best ways to stay up-to-date on what’s available in your area.
If Zillow doesn’t have what you’re looking for, check out our post on How to Find Rentals on Facebook Marketplace.
Searching on Zillow
Zillow is a great source for all things homes: for rent, for sale on the MLS, and even for sale by owner (though this is much harder to find in the filters now). But if you’re looking for options for rent, it’s pretty simple to find everything available in your area. Let’s break it down!
Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to search for properties on Zillow:
Start by navigating to Zillow.com.
Use the search box on the page to search for your area, for example, I would type in Columbia City, IN and select the correct location from the dropdown that pops up.
Then make sure you’re looking at rentals by updating the type dropdown. Depending on what type of properties you’re currently looking at, it will either say “For Rent”, “For Sale”, or “Sold”. You want to make sure it says “For Rent”.
To make sure you aren’t missing any new listings, I always update the sort option at the top of the list of properties from “Sort: Homes for You” to “Sort: Newest” - this ensures that the latest available properties show at the top of the list.
From here, you can use the built-in filtering options to narrow your search by number of bedrooms, bathrooms, or property type (houses, apartments/condos/co-ops, townhomes). This is where Zillow outshines Facebook Marketplace. Zillow offers additional filter options including: move-in date, square footage, lot size, year built, if the property has a basement, if the property is single-story, if the property allows large dogs, small dogs, and/or cats, the property view (city, mountain, park, water), and any other amenities (A/C, pool, waterfront, on-site parking, in-unit laundry, accepts Zillow applications, income restricted, and apartment community). Phew, that’s a lot!
PRO TIP: In a smaller area with fewer options, like where we’re located in Columbia City, Indiana, you may want to leave these filters blank so you can see everything available.
When you find a listing you’re interested in, click on it for more info. From the listing detail view, you’ll be able to request a tour or apply directly if the landlord offers Zillow applications. You can also see who the rental is listed by and contact them directly, if needed.
An example of a Zillow rental listing view for a home available for rent in Columbia City, Indiana. Details and ability to apply directly may vary by listing but you’ll always be able to message the listing owner from this view for more info.
Pro Tip: Save Your Search & Turn Notifications On!
The easiest way to never miss a new listing is to save your search and make sure notifications are turned on. This allows you to set your property filters and location and create an automated alert to notify you when new properties are added that match your specific criteria. We always recommend setting the email frequency option on the alert to “Instant” so you get notification as soon a new property is listed instead of once in the mornings or only once a week.
Save your search and create an automated alert when new properties get added to Zillow - For Rent that match your criteria. In this example, we’ve only set location of Columbia City, Indiana so we get notified of all new properties posted.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to save a search and create an automated alert for new properties on Zillow:
Start by navigating to Zillow.com.
Use the search box on the page to search for your area, for example, I would type in Columbia City, IN and select the correct location from the dropdown that pops up.
Then make sure you’re looking at rentals by updating the type dropdown. Depending on what type of properties you’re currently looking at, it will either say “For Rent”, “For Sale”, or “Sold”. You want to make sure it says “For Rent”.
Click the big blue button that says “Save search”.
You’ll see a modal pop up where you can name your saved search and set your email frequency. We always recommend setting the email frequency to “Instant” so you get notification as soon as a new property is listed instead of once in the mornings or only once a week.
Click “Update” at the bottom and your settings are saved.
That’s it! Zillow will automatically notify you by email when new properties are posted that match your filter criteria.
No Zillow Account?
That’s okay! Anyone can search available properties on Zillow without an account but they do require you have an account to save searches and get notified about new properties. Zillow will even let you request to apply, request a tour, and message the rental listing agent without an account but we still recommend getting one so you can utilize the save search feature!