NYC Housing Connect (Lottery)

Your portal to finding and applying for affordable housing opportunities across the five boroughs.

NYC Housing Connect is the official online portal for New Yorkers to find and apply for affordable housing. These "lotteries" offer units at significantly below-market rates for a wide range of income levels, from extremely low-income to middle-income households.

The Lottery Process

1

Create Your Profile

Register on NYC Housing Connect and complete your profile with accurate income, household size, and current address information.

2

Browse Developments

View open lotteries. Each building has its own set of eligibility criteria, including specific income ranges and household sizes.

3

Apply

Submit applications for buildings that match your household's profile. You can apply to as many lotteries as you qualify for.

4

The Drawing

After a lottery closes, applications are randomly assigned a log number. This determines the order in which applicants are reviewed.

5

Interview & Verification

If your number is reached, you'll be invited for an interview to provide documentation verifying your eligibility.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility is primarily based on two factors:

Annual Income
Your total household gross income must fall within the range specified for the unit. These ranges vary significantly between developments.
Household Size
The number of people who will live in the apartment must match the requirements for the specific unit size (Studio, 1BR, etc).

Tips for Success

  • Keep your profile updated: Always update your income or household size immediately if they change.
  • Apply early: Don't wait until the deadline. Apply as soon as you find a building you're interested in.
  • Check your dashboard: Log in regularly to check for messages or status updates on your applications.
  • Prepare your documents: Have tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements ready in case you're called for an interview.

Ready to apply?

Visit the official NYC Housing Connect website to start your journey.