Contrary to popular belief, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development does not actually rent out apartments. Like many other similar departments throughout the United States, this department cooperates with real estate brokers and with community sponsors who choose to market affordable apartments for low income individuals. All marketed apartments are then rented through what is referred to as a housing lottery. This way, qualified individuals are chosen to receive reduced priced apartments merely by chance—by having their name drawn from an actual lottery of applications. This ensures that housing is given fairly. If you qualify as a “low income” individual or family, meaning that your income or your family’s income is below the median average for your county for a family of the same size, then you can be a part of the lottery. All you have to do is contact your local involved apartment manager, community sponsor, or real estate broker to obtain an application. There is no cost to become a part of the housing lottery.

One great way to stay on top of current lottery openings, changes to eligibility requirements, and other important information surrounding housing lotteries in New York is to sign up for the email list sponsored by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. You can register by going to the department’s website. If you do not live in New York, be aware that your state may or may not have a housing lottery in place; different states choose to operate their low income housing programs in different ways. You can contact your local housing authority or department of housing and urban development for information that pertains to your area. Always make sure that you are not looking at outdated information, as rules and policies surrounding affordable housing for low income individuals and families are subject to change.

Housing developments in the Bronx that are open to winners of the housing lottery include Morrisania Section (22 apartments, one bedroom and three bedroom); Bronx Park South/ West Farm (32 units, one bedroom and two bedroom); Morrisania Two (66 units, studio apartments, one bedroom, two bedroom, and three bedroom); Anderson Avenue (63 units, studio apartments, one and two bedroom); and East Tremont (95 units, studio apartments, one and two bedroom). In Brooklyn, there is only one apartment complex for housing lottery winners— Atlantic Avenue, which has 38 units in one bedroom, two bedroom, and three bedroom selections. Manhattan winners can choose from Harlem (23 units, one, two and three bedroom); Harlem Two (8 units; one, two and three bedroom); Central Harlem (15 units, one, two and three bedroom); and 34 West 139^th street (unspecified units; one and two bedroom). Finally, in Staten Island, choices include 180 Broad Street (unspecified units; one and two bedroom) and Willowbrook (72 units; studio apartments, one and two bedroom). For up to the minute information on listings, the Department maintains several phone lines in a variety of languages that can be contacted. These are available directly on the department’s website or by calling the department directly.

If you are unable to qualify for the housing lottery or if you need more urgent, more guaranteed assistance, you and/or your family may be able to qualify for one of the many programs put in place by the New York City Housing Development Corporation. Each program will have its own requirements regarding income, and some individuals and/or families are able to qualify for more than one program, thus giving them more of a chance at securing housing.  You may be placed in different categories for different programs, so take the time to research each program and to find the best or the most immediate fit for your housing needs.  With any program for which you qualify, you will be responsible for contacting the managing agent of the apartment you are interested in to find out if applications are being accepted, housing rules and requirements, application deadlines, and other important information.

Do keep in mind that no matter what program you go through, you should never have to pay any type of application fee or other monies upfront. If you are requested to do so or if you see any advertisements that indicate an application fee, you are encouraged to report it as fraud as soon as possible.