How Does the NYC Affordable Housing Lottery Work?

It’s no secret that finding an affordable apartment in NYC is a daunting task. That’s why it’s pretty great that the city offers some programs to help New Yorkers out a bit. If you’re interested in applying for the NYC Affordable Housing Lottery, here’s what you need to know.

How Does NYC Affordable Housing Work?

You begin by applying to the program, and if your application qualifies, it will be given a log number. The Department of Housing Preservation & Development chooses the log numbers randomly to ensure fairness throughout the selection process. However, there are certain preferences that exist such as veterans, senior citizens, and residents with disabilities.

How Do I Qualify for the Lottery?

Where you apply affects how you apply. Different areas and buildings have different income requirements. Each housing lottery’s requirements can be found here.

How Do I Apply for the Housing Lottery?

You can apply for the housing lottery online on the NYC Housing Connect website. Register on the site, and complete the household information, which will ask you questions about your employment and income. Next, find the building you would like to live in, and click “apply.” You can monitor your application under the Housing List section on the site. Remember to submit your application before the deadline, and to never submit more than one or any applications with false information, as these will be disqualified from the lottery.

What Does Being Put on the Waiting List Mean?

Once an affordable property is filled, the remaining, qualified applicants can be placed on a waiting list that developers can pull from when apartments become available later on. A developer will notify you if you get wait-listed, but every six months, you must tell them, in writing, that you want to stay on the waiting list.

Can I Appeal a Rejection?

Yes. You usually have two weeks to appeal your rejection once you’ve heard from the building’s developer. If you feel that you were wrongfully rejected, you must write an appeal letter explaining, in detail, why you think you qualify for the lottery on that building.

While some New Yorkers think that winning the NYC Housing Lottery is as likely as winning the actual lottery, there’s no harm in trying! If you apply and win the housing lottery after reading this article, let us know on Facebook and Twitter!

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