Two New York City renters have filed a class‑action lawsuit alleging that Compass, a brokerage firm that has acquired numerous smaller firms, has removed thousands of rental listings from Zillow, creating a perceived shortage that has driven up rents in Manhattan. The plaintiffs, Peter Castaneda and Haley Gelfand, say the delistings give Compass control over more than 80 percent of Manhattan rental listings, allowing it to influence prices and increase broker fees. The complaint seeks damages, an injunction preventing the removal of listings, and a court order requiring Compass to disgorge any unjust enrichment. The suit follows a series of actions in which Compass began withdrawing listings from Zillow earlier this year, prompting Zillow to adopt new standards that bar private listings from appearing on its platforms. Zillow’s spokesperson said the practice harms consumers by limiting access to available homes and contributing to higher rents. A judge previously dismissed an antitrust suit filed by Compass, finding that Zillow does not appear to hold a monopoly if buyers can research listings across multiple platforms. Regulatory scrutiny is also underway. US Senator Elizabeth Warren has expressed concerns that the situation could create a two‑tiered housing market in which insiders gain exclusive access to inventory and market data. An attorney for the renters, Blake Hunter Yagman, said the case could have wide‑reaching effects on housing affordability, noting that New Yorkers already spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent. Data cited in the complaint shows a 40 percent decline in available rental units citywide over the past year, coinciding with rent increases of 3 percent in June, 6 percent in July, and continued growth in August. Compass declined to comment on the allegations. The class‑action seeks to represent all New York City renters who have leased non‑rent‑stabilized multifamily units since August 2026. The case is expected to proceed to trial, potentially setting precedent for how major digital platforms manage competition in the housing market.