The policy states Zillow retains personal data for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes collected, accounting for account duration, legal and tax obligations, dispute resolution, litigation holds, and regulatory investigations. Upon expiration of the retention need, Zillow states it will delete or de-identify personal data, with the qualification that backup archive copies may be retained.
This analysis describes what Zillow's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This provision establishes Zillow's stated retention framework but does not specify defined retention periods for any data category, leaving the operative timeframes dependent on the factors listed. The backup archive carve-out means personal data may persist beyond the primary retention period in backup systems until deletion or de-identification is operationally feasible.
Interpretive note: The policy does not specify defined retention periods for any data category, leaving operative retention timelines dependent on factors that are not quantified in the notice.
Changed from simple statement to detailed multi-factor framework, added specific considerations like account maintenance duration and regulatory obligations, and shifted language from 'necessary' to 'reasonably necessary.'
View full change record →Under this clause, personal data may be retained for the duration of account activity and for additional periods required by legal, regulatory, or dispute-related obligations, without defined maximum retention timelines stated in the notice. Backup archive copies may be retained beyond the primary retention period in isolated, secure storage pending deletion or de-identification.
Cross-platform context
See how other platforms handle Data Retention Policy and similar clauses.
Compare across platforms →"We strive to retain your personal data only for as long as is reasonably necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected and in accordance with applicable laws. The following is considered in determining appropriate retention periods: The length of time you maintain a user account or use our services. Obligations with legal, tax, and/or accounting requirements set by a legislature, regulator, or other government authority. Support of dispute resolution and claims processes. Compliance with litigation holds, contractual obligations, statutes of limitations, regulatory investigations, or other laws requiring us to keep records of your transactions with us. Once retention of your personal data is no longer necessary for the purposes outlined above, we will either delete or de-identify the personal data. We may retain copies of your personal data in backup archives.Excerpt from Zillow's Privacy Notice
(1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Retention limitations are a component of CCPA/CPRA compliance, which requires that retention periods be disclosed and that data not be retained beyond what is necessary for the disclosed purpose.
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This provision establishes Zillow's stated retention framework but does not specify defined retention periods for any data category, leaving the operative timeframes dependent on the factors listed. The backup archive carve-out means personal data may persist beyond the primary retention period in backup systems until deletion or de-identification is operationally feasible.
Under this clause, personal data may be retained for the duration of account activity and for additional periods required by legal, regulatory, or dispute-related obligations, without defined maximum retention timelines stated in the notice. Backup archive copies may be retained beyond the primary retention period in isolated, secure storage pending deletion or de-identification.
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