The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Tuesday announced a lawsuit against Zillow and Redfin, alleging the real estate technology companies violated federal antitrust laws through agreements that eliminated competition in the online rental advertising marketplace.

The lawsuit alleges that in February, Zillow paid Redfin $100 million under a “ Partnership Agreement “, requiring Redfin to exit the multifamily rental advertising business, terminate existing customer contracts, and transition those customers to Zillow. A concurrent “ Content License Agreement ” commits Redfin to display only Zillow listings for properties with 25 or more units, and bars Redfin from competing in this segment for up to nine years.

The FTC characterizes the arrangements as unlawful horizontal agreeme

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