Rent Net Adds New Services for Consumers, Advertisers

Rent Net, which lists ads for 2.5 million apartments throughout the U.S. and Canada., said that it added new content channels and completed a comprehensive site redesign.

New features include zip-code/neighborhood-based searching and expanded comparison shopping features plus a toll-free 800 number that connects users directly to property managers.

The Rent Net home page now provides channels on Insurance, Credit Services, Job Listings and Home Buying. In addition, discounts of up to 25% on services such as furniture and truck rental are available.

The Homebuyers Center allows consumers to search millions of home and mortgage listings via Rent Net global affiliates Century 21, Coldwell Banker and ERA.

With the site redesign, Rent Net said it gives advertisers new ways to target consumers, including branded sponsorships within the new channels, including text links and permanent graphical placement; in-line advertising woven throughout the apartment listings; “advertorial” content areas; and traditional banner ads.

Major site sponsors include Ryder Moving Services, CORT Furniture Rental, Allstate Insurance, InsWeb, Progressive Insurance, QSpace, Privacy Guard, Monster Board, Net Temps, Public Storage, Storage USA, Oakwood Corporate Housing, Microsoft Sidewalk, CitySearch and HotMail.

Rent Net is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cendant Corp., formerly CUC International.