Trying to create a rental listing without displaying owner’s information

Trying to create a rental listing without displaying owner’s information

Member since 2023 · 1 post · 2 votes
Hey everyone, I’m hoping to get some advice from those who self manage and prioritize privacy. I’m trying to manage my rental property myself without using a property manager but also don’t want my personal name easily tied to the property manager. To set things up more privately, I’ve put the property into a land trust and created an LLC connected to the property as well as set up a separate phone number for tenant communication. The issue I’m running into is with listing platforms like Zillow and Turbotenant. When I go to create a rental listing, it seems like the owner’s information is displayed by default, which kind of defeats the purpose of the structure I set up. I feel like I am missing something. Is there a specific way to set up your account so your personal info isn’t shown? Do these platforms require owner disclosure no matter what, or is there a workaround? Any tips, best practices, or platform recommendations would be really appreciated. Just trying to stay compliant while also keeping a reasonable level of privacy. Thanks in advance!
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Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
Moderator
Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
6mo

@Bill B. That was my thought exactly. People spend way too much time and money trying to hide. Most have what they call the spotlight effect, which is they think they are more important and that people think about them more often than reality.

The other thing that happens when people start doing this and setting up separate property management companies is they actually increase the liability because now they're third-party managing it. They don't have the proper license and insurance, and they actually are more apt to lose a lawsuit. 

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  • Michael SmytheBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Metro Detroit · Member since 2023 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    6mo

    Not sure why you can't put your LLC info in Zillow?

    Did you actually record a deed transferring the property out of your name?

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  • Real Estate Broker · Atlanta · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 606 votes
    6mo

    @Thaleia Teli Most listing platforms do require a certain level of disclosure, so full anonymity isn't realistic. You can list under your LLC, use a business email and a separate phone line but privacy only goes so far. Leases, legal notices and required disclosures will still trace back to the actual owner when necessary.

    The bottom line is, you can add a layer of separation but not complete invisibility, especially if you want to remain compliant.

  • Real Estate Broker · Hyde Park Tampa, FL · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    6mo

    What are you trying to accomplish here? A Land Trust does protect your identity. I use that structure myself. An LLC provides some coverage as well except inquiries into the LLC will reveal the managers' names. Are you trying to hide the listing from your property manager? If so, check your contract. I think you'll find that if you attempt to lease/list it without them, you still have to pay their fees as if they did it.  Why not seek a contractual revision to exclude this service.  You are not going to be able to accomplish what you are attempting otherwise.

  • Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    6mo

    Who are you trying to hide the info from? Obviously a lawyer will be able to find the owner. It might take 5 minutes, it might take all of an hour. This could be as easy as you got the mortgage in your name, or the utilities, or the property taxes, or those taxes have your address as the payer.  

    If anything happens at the property worth suing over. You, the LLC and the PM will all be sued. Make sure you have an umbrella policy for liability and move on. The call for BP members saved by an LLC goes out almost monthly and there's never a positive response.

    • Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
      Moderator
      Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
      6mo

      @Bill B. That was my thought exactly. People spend way too much time and money trying to hide. Most have what they call the spotlight effect, which is they think they are more important and that people think about them more often than reality.

      The other thing that happens when people start doing this and setting up separate property management companies is they actually increase the liability because now they're third-party managing it. They don't have the proper license and insurance, and they actually are more apt to lose a lawsuit. 

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  • Real Estate Agent · Memphis · Member since 2026 · 570 posts · 337 votes
    6mo

    You're not missing anything — most of the major platforms are set up to tie the listing to a verified individual or entity, so some level of disclosure is built in.

    What you're doing on the ownership side (land trust + LLC + separate contact info) is the right foundation. Where is usually breaks down is at the listing/account level.

    A few things that tend to help:
    • Set up the listing account under the LLC (not your personal name)
    • Use a dedicated business email + phone (which you’ve already done)
    • Keep all tenant-facing communication routed through that layer

    That said, platforms like Zillow/TurboTenant will still require identity verification on the backend, even if it's not fully public-facing. 

    The bigger distinction is privacy vs. anonymity — you can limit what tenants see, but full anonymity is hard to maintain on mainstream platforms while staying compliant. 

    If tighter separation is a priority, some owners lean toward listing under a business identity consistently or using leasing agents for placement, then taking over management after. 

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