EliseAI’s AI Assist boosts renter applications by 43% on Zillow Rentals

For multifamily operators, the days of losing leads to unanswered calls are now measurable—and fixable. The EliseAI-Zillow data shows that AI isn't just a novelty; it's a direct pipeline accelerator that can close the gap between online interest and signed leases at scale.

EliseAI and Zillow Rentals released compelling data on June 11, 2026, showing that renters who engage with the AI Assist platform embedded in Zillow’s listings are 43% more likely to apply for an apartment than those who do not. The study, covering October 2025 through April 2026 across the companies' shared portfolio of multifamily communities, represents the first large-scale validation of an integrated AI leasing agent. Beyond application rates, the lift extends across the entire renter journey: tour bookings increased by 19% and lease signings by 24% for those interacting with the AI. This marks a pivotal moment in the digital transformation of real estate leasing, proving that conversational AI can directly influence renter behavior and property performance.

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EliseAI and Zillow Rentals released compelling data on June 11, 2026, showing that renters who engage with the AI Assist platform embedded in Zillow’s listings are 43% more likely to apply for an apartment than those who do not.

The underlying problem is well-documented. As EliseAI co-founder and CEO Minna Song noted, 28% of calls to leasing offices go unanswered, and over half of all inquiries arrive outside standard business hours. Traditional leasing teams are stretched thin, unable to engage every lead effectively. The integration of AI Assist—available at no additional cost to Zillow multifamily partners with portfolios of 450 units or more—addresses this gap by providing instant, 24/7 responses to renter queries. The AI handles questions, qualifies leads, schedules tours, and nurtures prospects through the funnel, ensuring that no inquiry is lost. Michael Sherman, SVP of Zillow Rentals, emphasized the impact of immediacy, stating that "this data shows that immediacy makes a real difference in their ability to move forward."

For the real estate industry, the implications are significant. Multifamily operators have long sought to optimize lease conversion while reducing the burden on staff. The 43% surge in applications from AI-engaged renters suggests that AI Assist not only captures demand that would otherwise dissipate but also actively accelerates renter decision-making. The 24% lift in signed leases closes the loop, indicating the tool’s influence extends to the most critical metric. Because the AI is embedded directly in Zillow’s rental marketplace, it operates at the point of highest intent, serving as a seamless bridge between discovery and commitment. This can drastically shorten vacancy periods and improve net effective rent, creating a tangible ROI for property owners.