What is the income limit for a 1-bedroom NYC housing lottery?

One-bedroom income limits depend on household size and AMI band. At 60% AMI for a household of 2, the maximum income is approximately $64,800/year (2026). At 80% AMI for 2 people, it is approximately $86,400. Minimum household size is typically 1–2 people for a 1-bedroom unit.

How competitive are 1-bedroom NYC housing lottery units?

1-bedroom units are among the most competitive in NYC housing lotteries because they accommodate both singles and couples. Popular 1-bedroom lotteries can receive 20,000–50,000 applications for a small number of units. Applying to multiple lotteries and leveraging community board preference improves your odds.

NYC Housing Lottery

1-Bedroom Affordable Housing Lotteries

Get instant alerts when 1-bedroom apartment lotteries open on NYC Housing Connect — across all five boroughs.

Household: 1–3 people

Rent range: $900 – $2,200/month

AMI: 30% – 130% AMI

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About 1-Bedroom Affordable Housing Lotteries

1-bedroom apartments are the most frequently posted unit type in NYC affordable housing lotteries. They are available through HPD (421-a, MIH, senior housing) and HDC-financed developments across all five boroughs. Eligible households range from a single person to a family of three, depending on the specific lottery's occupancy rules. Rents vary significantly by AMI band — a 60% AMI 1-bedroom in Brooklyn might rent for $1,218/month, while a 100% AMI 1-bedroom in Manhattan could reach $2,100.

Competition Level

High

1-bedroom units are the most common unit type offered on NYC Housing Connect and also receive the highest total number of applications — often 20,000–60,000 per development.

Pro Tip

Check both the minimum and maximum income requirements for each 1-bedroom lottery. Many applicants are disqualified for earning too much, not too little. Income from all adult household members is counted.

Who Qualifies for 1-Bedroom Apartments?

Household Size

1–3 people

Typical Rent

$900 – $2,200/month

Income Bands

30% – 130% AMI

Most 1-bedroom lotteries allow 1–3 occupants. Income requirements vary by AMI band — use our AMI Calculator to determine which lotteries you are eligible for based on your household size and income. Use our free AMI calculator to find your exact income band.

1-Bedroom Lotteries by Borough

Brooklyn

The highest volume of 1-bedroom lotteries in NYC — East New York, Crown Heights, and Sunset Park lead development activity.

Queens

Jamaica, Flushing, and Long Island City consistently produce 1-bedroom lotteries across 50–100% AMI bands.

Bronx

The Bronx offers the most 1-bedrooms at lower AMI levels (30–60%), serving very low and low-income households.

Manhattan

1-bedrooms in Manhattan are rare and extremely competitive — average 30,000–60,000 applications per lottery.

How to Find 1-Bedroom Lotteries Before They Fill Up

Check Housing Connect

NYC Housing Connect (housingconnect.nyc.gov) is the official portal. New lotteries are posted without notice — you have to check regularly.

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Subscribe to NYC Housing Lottery Alerts for $2.99/month. We monitor Housing Connect 24/7 and email you the moment a matching lottery opens.

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Know Your Income Band

Use our free AMI calculator before applying. Each lottery has specific income minimums and maximums — earning too much is as disqualifying as earning too little.

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Receive email notifications when new 1-bedroom affordable housing lotteries open across NYC.

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