New York City is known for many things – delectable food, expansive parks, and an infectious energy that inspires locals and visitors alike. However, one thing the city is not known for is affordability -- particularly when it comes to the local housing market.
As of February 2025, the average cost of rent in New York is 150% higher than the national average. For many, this exorbitant rent cost stands in the way of their Big Apple dreams and discourages them from planting their city roots. If you, too, think renting in New York City is beyond your means, allow us to introduce you to the New York Housing Lottery.
In this article, we’ll share what renters should know about the NYC Housing Lottery, from how to apply to tips for bettering your chances of selection. Here’s an overview of what we’ll cover:
- What is the NYC Housing Lottery?
- How to apply for the NYC Housing Lottery
- What are the odds of winning the NYC Housing Lottery?
What Is the NYC Housing Lottery?
The New York Housing Lottery, or the NYC Housing Connect program, is a system designed to provide affordable apartments and co-ops to New York residents of certain household income levels and sizes. Created by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), this program offers rental and homeownership opportunities for budget-conscious residents in need of lower housing costs.
So, how does the NYC housing lottery work? In a nutshell, New York offers programs that grant developers tax breaks and lower-cost loans in exchange for dedicating a portion of their property’s units to the lottery. Apartments in these buildings are typically rent-stabilized, meaning their rent costs are capped at a certain amount. This way, lottery winners can count on consistent, affordable rental rates throughout their tenancy.
The NYC housing lottery isn’t a single, citywide draw for affordable housing—it’s made up of multiple individual lotteries for specific buildings. If there’s a particular residence you’re interested in, you can apply directly to its unique lottery. For buildings without their own lottery, don’t worry—new opportunities are constantly opening for both current and upcoming developments. To stay updated, regularly visit the NYC Housing Connect catalog of open lotteries and explore the latest options.
How To Apply for the New York Housing Lottery
The application process for the NYC Housing Lottery is fairly simple and can be broken down into a few easy steps:
- Create an account and profile on NYC Housing Connect with your up-to-date household income and size.
- Browse Housing Connects “Open Lotteries” catalog to see which residences are accepting applications.
- Submit your application to your listing(s) of choice. Remember, you can apply to multiple lotteries at once.
- Await your selection. Be aware that it can take several months for applications to be processed, and sometimes you may not hear back at all.
- If selected, confirm your eligibility and provide documentation (birth certificate, pay stubs, tax returns, current lease documents, etc.) confirming your household income, size, and other qualifications.
Is there anything I should do before I apply?
Being financially proactive before applying to the lottery may increase your chances of selection. NYC Housing Connect advises applicants to start saving before they enter the pool. If you have at least two months’ rent saved up to cover the first month’s rent, moving expenses, and the security deposit, you should be in pretty good shape. Any additional funds above the two-month amount will be especially beneficial.
NYC Housing Connect also advises applicants to know their credit and rental history before applying. These are two things you may be asked for when submitting an application or undergoing an eligibility review. However, it’s important to remember that this information can only be used to help you qualify and cannot be used to disqualify you.
Who is eligible for affordable housing lotteries?
To qualify for the NYC housing lottery, you must be at least 18 years old and have an income within a specific range for your desired affordable housing opportunity. Additionally, you may need to satisfy certain tenant selection criteria, such as maintaining a clean criminal record and having no prior or pending bankruptcies. There are also asset limits you’ll need to adhere to.
Visit NYC Housing Connect to determine your eligibility for each housing lottery. Simply enter your household size and total annual income to filter results and identify the housing developments for which you qualify.
If your application is selected for review, you will then be invited to an appointment to verify your eligibility. During this process, you must provide documentation such as bank statements, birth certificates, tax returns, and other essential records. These appointments are typically scheduled between two and 10 months after the application deadline. To make sure you're prepared with the proper documentation, check out NYC Housing Connect's Checklists and Resources page.
What Are the Odds of Winning a Housing Lottery in NYC?
Generally, the odds of winning the New York Housing Lottery are pretty low. According to a recent article by Business Insider, there are about 3.5 million lottery applicants each year. However, that shouldn’t discourage you from applying. After all, throwing your name in the hat at least once is better than not doing it at all.
Many applicants ask if there are ways to increase their chances of winning. Unfortunately, there’s no cheat code to help better your odds. The best advice we can offer is to apply for multiple lotteries, make sure your household size/income is up to date, and be prepared with adequate savings, strong credit, and the proper documentation needed for the eligibility review process. Staying prepared and positive may not directly increase your chances, but it will certainly make the process smoother and less stressful.
How long does it take to get approved?
According to NYC Housing Connect, it can take anywhere from two to 12 months for a lottery application to be processed. As you wait to hear back about your application status, use this time to gather the necessary documents for your eligibility review and begin saving them to your NYC Housing Connect profile.
It’s important to add that you might not always hear back about your application status. When an application deadline hits, all entries are put in random order and assigned a log number. During the review process, developers will survey each application by log number and contact applicants as they go. However, if the volume of applications is exceptionally high and your log number is further down the list, you may not be contacted. If you don’t hear back, try applying again when a new lottery opens.
Where else can renters find low-income housing?
If you’re not having any luck with the Housing Lottery, you might consider some of New York’s alternative affordable housing resources. Take the Mitchell-Lama Housing program, for example. This city-sponsored program offers affordable rentals and cooperative housing to moderate- and middle-income households. Applicants can submit themselves to open waiting lists for developments that align with their income, household size, and preferences. If selected, their application will move to another waitlist for the next available unit. This program and other resources like HDFC Cooperatives and Section 8 Housing offer hopeful, budget-conscious renters additional chances at finding affordable housing in New York City.
Find Affordable Apartments in New York on Apartments.com
The New York Housing Lottery is a great opportunity for low- and middle-income individuals to experience the Big Apple without financial obstacles. Though it can take some preparation, perseverance, and, of course, a bit of luck, the process can be worth it in the end. However, if you’re looking for a faster and more direct way to find affordable housing in New York City, Apartments.com could be your answer.
Apartments.com offers user-friendly and accessible search tools to New York City renters. When you browse NYC apartments, you can easily filter listings to match your specific budget. From charming historic brownstones to sleek modern studios, our platform lets you discover apartments and homes that fit your lifestyle and financial needs. Start searching today to start your next chapter in New York City.
FAQs
How likely is it to win the NYC housing lottery?
Winning the NYC housing lottery can be challenging due to the high demand and limited availability of affordable units. However, your chances improve if you meet the specific income requirements and apply to several lotteries that match your eligibility.
What credit score do you need to win the New York housing lottery?
While there is no fixed credit score requirement, most housing lotteries look for a score of 580 or higher. A good credit score demonstrates financial responsibility, which is a key factor during the application review process.
