Is NYC Housing Connect the Jackpot to Affordable Living?
Is the housing crisis making it difficult for you to find an apartment that fits your budget?
Why not consider NYC Housing Connect? It’s an online lottery offering affordable housing in all five boroughs of New York. The agency deems housing affordable if it costs 1/3 or less of your income. NYC.gov cited that since 2013 more than 25 million applications have been submitted for about 40,000 units.
Here’s how to apply.
Step one, create an account, go to their website and click login, then select register. You will need a username, password and contact information to create your account.
Step two, apply to lotteries. Select open lotteries to see available units. You can filter your search to make it easier to locate units that apply to you. You must meet the household size and income requirements to qualify. Apply online or by mail. If you do both, your application will be rejected.
Step three, selection process. After you apply, you will be assigned a random log number that tells you your place in line. The lower your log number, the better your chances of being called. The higher your number, the less likely you will be contacted. According to nyc.gov it can take several months or longer to hear back about your application.
Step four, confirm eligibility. If your log number is selected, you will be asked to submit your identification, tax returns, your rent history or a credit report. If your application is approved, the next step is signing your lease to your new affordable unit.
A 2024 StreetEasy report highlighted that even tech workers earning $135,000 annually are struggling to afford housing in New York. Housing Connect is one of the city’s answers to ease this burden. Take a look at this office to residential building here in the financial district. Out of its 1,300 units, 330 are available on housing connect. You can find studios for those earning as little as $32,000 annually, up to three-bedroom apartments for families with income up to $77,000.
Racquel Miller is a journalist covering housing for City Newsroom. She’s passionate about broadcast journalism and hopes to become a news producer.
