The FTC Tried to Win Part of the Zillow–Redfin case early.

A court said no. That does not mean the government lost—or that the case has nothing to do with renters.

Housing is already expensive. Searching for an apartment can be frustrating. And many renters begin that search on a small number of large online platforms.

So when the government challenges an agreement between Zillow and Redfin, the natural reaction is straightforward:

Is the FTC trying to protect renters, and did the court just stop it?

Not exactly.

The …