It's free. Applying for affordable housing through NYC Housing Connect and NYCHA costs nothing. If anyone asks you to pay a fee to apply, it is a scam. Report it to 311.
The 7-Step Application Process
Create Your Housing Connect Account
Go to housingconnect.nyc.gov and register with a valid email address. This is the city's official portal — the only one you need for lottery-based affordable housing. The account is free and takes about 10 minutes to set up. You'll use this same account to apply to every available listing.
Complete Your Household Profile
Fill in your household size, annual gross income, whether anyone has a disability, your current borough, and any preference categories you qualify for. Preferences — such as living or working in the community board where a lottery is located, being a municipal employee, veteran, or person with a disability — can dramatically improve your lottery ranking. Be accurate: misrepresentation disqualifies you.
Browse and Apply to Open Lotteries
Housing Connect shows all active lotteries. Filter by bedroom size and your income band. Each application takes about 5 minutes. Apply to every listing you qualify for — there is no downside to applying broadly. New lotteries open regularly; check back weekly and enable email notifications. Lotteries close on fixed deadlines and cannot be entered after closing.
Wait for Lottery Results
After a lottery closes, all qualified applicants are assigned a random log number. If your number falls within the range the developer needs to fill their units (accounting for expected attrition), you'll receive a letter or email inviting you to an interview — sometimes months or years after applying. Keep your email address current and watch your inbox. Missing the callback deadline means losing your spot.
Attend Your Interview
If selected, you'll be invited to an in-person interview at the building's management office or leasing office. Bring original documents — not copies. The interview typically takes 1–2 hours. You'll review your application, confirm household composition, and submit your documentation packet. This step cannot be done by mail; you must appear in person.
Income Verification and Approval
After your interview, the housing developer and often a city agency reviews all your documents. This can take weeks to months. They verify that your income falls within the required band, check credit and rental history, and confirm household composition. You may be asked for additional documents — respond promptly. If approved, you'll be offered an apartment.
Sign Your Lease and Move In
Upon approval, you'll sign a standard NYC lease and pay a security deposit (usually 1 month's rent). The total timeline from lottery application to move-in can range from several months to over 3 years, depending on the development's construction timeline, unit turnover, and how high your lottery number is.
Documents to Prepare Now
Assemble this document packet before you receive any callback — you'll need to submit everything quickly once selected.
Realistic Timeline
| Stage | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Create account and apply to lotteries | Day 1 — ongoing |
| Lottery closes and log numbers assigned | Weeks to months after applying |
| Receive interview invitation (if selected) | Months to years after lottery closes |
| Interview to income verification decision | 4–12 weeks |
| Approval to lease signing | 2–8 weeks |
| Total: application to keys | 6 months to 3+ years |
Important: Apply to NYCHA simultaneously with Housing Connect lotteries. The processes are independent — you can pursue both at the same time. Also consider applying to Mitchell-Lama programs, which often have shorter wait lists for moderate-income households.
Know Your Income Before You Apply
Your gross annual income determines which AMI tiers you qualify for. Calculate your net pay and understand your full income picture first.
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