How to Apply for the NYC Housing Lottery (Housing Connect)

How to apply for NYC affordable housing lotteries on Housing Connect: free applications, 2026 AMI limits, preferences, voucher rules and next steps.

NYC Housing Connect is the city's free portal for affordable housing lotteries. It is run by HPD and covers HPD and HDC projects across all five boroughs.

It is always free

You never pay an application fee or broker fee to apply for an HPD or HDC lottery. Anyone who asks for money to apply is running a scam. Report it to 311.

Step 1: Create your account and household profile

Sign up at housingconnect.nyc.gov and enter everyone in your household and all household income. Only submit one application per lottery. If the same person is on applications with different household members, all of them can be ruled ineligible.

Step 2: Check the income limits

Each lottery lists income bands as a percentage of Area Median Income (AMI). HPD's 2026 NYC table:

Household	30% AMI	50% AMI	80% AMI	100% AMI
1	$35,640	$59,400	$95,040	$118,800
2	$40,710	$67,850	$108,560	$135,700
3	$45,810	$76,350	$122,160	$152,700
4	$50,880	$84,800	$135,680	$169,600

Each lottery also sets its own minimum income. Voucher holders with Section 8 and other qualifying rental subsidies are not subject to the minimum income, as long as the subsidy covers the rent and they meet the other rules.

Step 3: Apply before the deadline

Since September 1, 2026, lotteries can be open for as few as 21 days, so check often. Online and paper applications count equally.

Step 4: The lottery, set-asides and preferences

After the deadline, applications get a random log number. At least 5% of units are set aside for people with mobility disabilities and 2% for hearing or vision disabilities. Many lotteries also give a preference for 10% of units to households with a NYC municipal employee or a military veteran, and a preference to local community board residents. Check each ad for the details.

Step 5: If you are selected

The developer asks for documents or an interview, and you get at least 10 weekdays to respond. Typical papers: ID, Social Security cards, pay stubs, tax returns, and your current lease. If you are rejected, the letter explains how to submit a written appeal and by when. Results can take 2 to 12 months.

Get help

Call 212-863-7990 and leave a voicemail, or find a free Housing Ambassador organization on nyc.gov.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does it cost money to apply for the NYC housing lottery?

No. Applying on Housing Connect is always free. Anyone charging a fee to apply is a scam, and you can report it to 311.

Can Section 8 or CityFHEPS holders apply for housing lotteries?

Yes. HPD rules say applicants with Section 8 and other qualifying rental subsidies are not held to the advertised minimum income, but must meet the other requirements.

How long does the NYC housing lottery take?

HPD says you may hear about your application 2 to 12 months after the deadline.

What is the Housing Connect phone number?

HPD lists 212-863-7990 and nychousingconnect@hpd.nyc.gov for lottery and Housing Connect questions.