抽Affordable housing lotteries (Housing Connect)
NYC affordable apartments are assigned by lottery through NYC Housing Connect, and anyone can apply regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Each building has a minimum and maximum income; you only qualify where your income fits both.
Important: this guide is general information, not legal, immigration or other professional advice. Rules may have changed; confirm with the agency before applying. Disclaimer
Who can apply
- Anyone can register and apply; status isn't asked
- Your income must fit the building's range. 2026 examples (yearly maximum): 1 person 80% AMI $95,040, 130% AMI $154,440; 4 people 80% AMI $135,680, 130% AMI $220,480
- Some buildings give priority to seniors, people with disabilities and neighborhood residents
How to apply, step by step
- Step 1Add up your household's total yearly income (before tax): wages, Social Security, pensions and so on. Last year's tax return has most of these numbers.
- Step 2On a phone or computer open housingconnect.nyc.gov and create an account. Write down your email and password.
- Step 3Fill in your profile: every household member, every income source, savings, and your current rent. Be accurate and complete.
- Step 4Click "See Open Lotteries". Each building lists a minimum and maximum income for each household size; apply only where your income fits.
- Step 5Apply before the deadline. It doesn't matter when you apply as long as it's before the deadline; it's not first-come, first-served.
- Step 6Send only one application per building, and never both online and paper, or you may be disqualified. But you can apply to many different buildings, and more applications mean better odds. It's all free.
- Step 7If you can't go online, a Housing Ambassador (a city-partnered nonprofit) can help you apply for free, or call the Housing Connect hotline at 212-863-7990 (you may need to leave a voicemail).
- Step 8Sign up for email alerts for new lotteries. Also watch re-rentals, which are first-come, first-served.
Documents to prepare
- Only if selected: pay stubs, W-2s, benefit letters
- Bank and investment statements
- Rental history; credit may be checked
- IDs and birth certificates for everyone
After you apply
- The lottery: after the deadline, a computer gives each application a random number called a log number. Lower numbers are contacted first. People who meet a preference (such as neighborhood residents, seniors, people with disabilities) are considered first.
- How long: it can take several months, even a year or longer. Check your Housing Connect Dashboard often, and update your profile if your income or household changes while you wait.
- If selected: you'll be asked to upload or provide documents (ID, pay stubs, etc.), complete a credit check or show rent payment history, and attend a screening interview. Everyone 18+ who will live in the apartment must attend. To reschedule, call as early as possible; most agents want at least 24 hours' notice.
- Result: if you qualify you may be invited to sign a lease, or put on a waitlist that can last up to two years.
- If rejected: the letter explains why and how to appeal. You have only 10 business days from the postmark to appeal: write a letter explaining why the decision is wrong, attach proof, and mail it to the address on the rejection letter. If the appeal fails and you still think it's wrong, you can complain to HPD or HDC within 5 business days. You can keep applying to other buildings meanwhile.
Tips
- Get documents ready now: birth certificates, Social Security cards and photo IDs for everyone; pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters; your current lease, rent receipts and a gas or electric bill.
- Save money first: if selected you may need to move quickly, so save at least two months' rent (first month plus security deposit). Also check how much notice your current lease requires before moving out.
- Applying is free and the lottery is random. Anyone charging money to guarantee a win is a scammer.
- Housing Connect letters and emails may be in English. If you can't read one, get help from a Housing Ambassador or family right away so you don't miss the 10-business-day appeal deadline.
Common mistakes
- "Lower income is always better": each building has a minimum income too
- "An agent can guarantee a win": lotteries are random; paid guarantees are scams
- "Round your income up": figures must be accurate and are checked if you're selected
This guide is general information, not legal or professional advice. Rules change often; confirm with the official website or agency staff before applying.