Small landlords across Brooklyn are facing a harsh new reality. With national platforms tightening their rules and requiring every listing to be entered into the MLS within 24 hours, independent property owners are losing control over how—and where—their rentals appear. For those managing just a handful of units, it’s becoming increasingly complex to compete without compromising exclusivity.
But one Brooklyn-based startup, Torsx, is stepping in with a different approach—one that’s designed specifically for small landlords who want control, visibility, and vetted tenants without relying entirely on third-party listing sites.
The MLS Squeeze
Zillow’s recent policy change has sent shockwaves through the rental world. Under the new rule, any listing publicly marketed for more than 24 hours without being added to the MLS is permanently removed from Zillow’s platform. That’s a significant problem, considering Zillow draws over 227 million monthly visitors and is often the top online search destination for tenants across the U.S.
The change was designed to promote transparency and prevent duplicate listings. Still, it’s unintentionally sidelining the exact type of landlords who make up the backbone of New York City’s rental market: those with fewer than 20 units. These smaller operators often rely on direct relationships, local networks, or semi-exclusive listings to fill apartments quickly, without going through a full brokerage process or submitting to the MLS.
Add in the complexities of MLS access (which often requires broker partnerships), and landlords find themselves in a bind. Do they pay extra and lose control, or risk losing exposure on the nation’s most visible platform?
Built in Brooklyn, for Brooklyn
Enter Torsx.com, a startup laser-focused on solving this exact problem. Founded by Ilan Maslow, a lifelong Brooklynite and digital entrepreneur, Torsx was born out of both necessity and insight.
“Most tech in real estate is built for big landlords or agencies,” says Maslow. “But Brooklyn is filled with smaller landlords—owners who live two floors above their rental unit. They don’t want to hand off their listing to just anyone, and they don’t want to be forced onto systems that don’t work for them.”
Maslow launched Torsx at just 21, building out the first version of the platform with a few trusted landlords, a basic CRM, and a clear mission: give local property owners better tools without asking them to give up control.
Today, Torsx has a physical office, employs several staff members, and maintains exclusive or semi-exclusive relationships with dozens of landlords in Brooklyn. The company focuses on neighborhoods such as Crown Heights, Flatbush, Midwood, and parts of Kensington—areas often overlooked by large brokerage firms, despite strong demand.
What Makes Torsx Different
Unlike traditional listing platforms, Torsx takes a hybrid approach. Landlords can list their units, but they’re also supported by a screening and placement process that filters prospective tenants based on needs, timing, and compatibility. The company emphasizes quality over quantity.
Key features include:
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Semi-exclusive listings that reach pre-qualified renters in the Torsx network
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Tenant vetting to reduce turnover and missed rent
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Local support for photography, onboarding, and tenant communication
Solving a Bigger Problem
The need for platforms like Torsx isn’t limited to Brooklyn. Across urban centers, small landlords are being edged out by corporate players who can afford to dominate the MLS, pay referral fees, and run Google ads at scale. Local landlords, meanwhile, are often left with outdated tools—or none at all.
Maslow sees Torsx as part of a larger trend toward hyperlocal rental tech.
“National platforms don’t care if your unit sits empty for a few weeks. We do,” he says. “Our success depends on matching good tenants with good landlords, quickly and fairly. That’s what builds trust.”
The startup is already exploring potential integrations with digital lease signing, automated rent collection, and credit reporting features—all tailored to independent landlords who want simplicity without giving up oversight.
Challenges Along the Way
Starting a real estate platform at 21 in one of the country’s most competitive markets hasn’t been without hurdles. Maslow admits that early traction was slow, especially convincing landlords to try something new.
“There’s a lot of noise in PropTech. People are skeptical,” he says. “What helped was showing them real results—getting units filled quickly, with less drama.”
That proof-of-concept allowed Torsx to grow organically. Most of its current landlord partners came through referrals, and tenants have begun to recommend the platform as well.
Looking Ahead
With momentum building and demand increasing, Torsx plans to expand its services to adjacent boroughs and test small-scale partnerships with local real estate attorneys, tenant advocates, and even affordable housing programs.
But the company’s focus will remain the same: serve small landlords with integrity, transparency, and tech that actually works.
“Brooklyn is a landlord’s market—if they’re given the right tools,” Maslow says. “We’re just building the tools they’ve been missing.”
