Question 1

How do I find affordable housing opportunities?

Accepted Answer

New York City housing lotteries are listed on Housing Connect,(https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/) a portal maintained by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. You can also find listings advertised in newspapers and on HPD social media, as well as get sign up for updates from HPD.

Include affordable housing email for new listings.

Question 2

How are tenants selected for affordable housing?

Accepted Answer

• Tenants for affordable housing units are often chosen by a lottery process. To enter your name in the lottery, you have to fill out an application form for each building that you want to apply for. Preference may be given to:
    • People who already live in the area
    • Employees of the City of New York
    • Veterans
    • Residents who are physically, visually or hearing disabled

Question 3

Do I qualify for affordable housing?

Accepted Answer

• Housing ads and website listings will include the minimum and maximum income limits for the available units. The ad for the housing will also tell you the size of the available units — studio, one bedroom, two bedroom — and the number of people who can live in each unit, based on the income limits set for each building. You will also need good credit, a steady income, a bank account, and a history of paying your bills on time.

Question 4

How do I apply for affordable housing?

Accepted Answer

• The ad for the lottery will tell you how to apply online and how to request that an application be mailed to you. If you apply by mail, be sure to mail the application to the right address. It will not be the same address as the building.

Question 5

What do I need in order to apply for affordable housing?

Accepted Answer

• Proof of income, such as pay stubs, a letter from your employer, public assistance documents or court orders
 • Tax returns for at least two years, if you are employed
 • Bank statements, statements from retirement accounts, etc.
 • School letters for all children enrolled in school

Frequently Asked Questions