NYC Housing Lottery
Studio Affordable Housing Lotteries
Get instant alerts when studio apartment lotteries open on NYC Housing Connect — across all five boroughs.
About Studio Affordable Housing Lotteries
Studio apartments in NYC affordable housing lotteries are typically 0-bedroom units (sometimes called "alcove studios") ranging from 400 to 600 sq ft. They are available across all five boroughs and all income bands. Because they attract a large pool of eligible applicants — from single individuals to seniors on fixed incomes — studios routinely receive the highest application volumes of any unit type.
Competition Level
Very High
Studio units attract the widest range of applicants — single earners, couples, and seniors — making them among the most competitive unit types on Housing Connect.
Pro Tip
Apply to every studio lottery you qualify for, across all boroughs where you are willing to live. Community board preference (50% of units go to residents of the same district) can significantly improve your odds in local developments.
Who Qualifies for Studio Apartments?
Household Size
1–2 people
Typical Rent
$800 – $1,600/month
Income Bands
30% – 130% AMI
Most studios allow 1–2 occupants. Some lotteries restrict studios to 1-person households only. Seniors (62+) or people with disabilities may receive preference on certain studios. Use our free AMI calculator to find your exact income band.
Studio Lotteries by Borough
Brooklyn
East New York and Brownsville have the most studio lottery volume following the 2016 rezoning.
Queens
Long Island City and Jamaica produce a consistent stream of studio lotteries, often at 60–80% AMI.
Manhattan
Studio lotteries are rare and extremely competitive — some developments receive 40,000+ applications.
Bronx
The Bronx has the most studio lotteries at the lowest AMI bands (30–50%), serving seniors and extremely low-income households.
How to Find Studio 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.
Get Instant Alerts
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.
Get started →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.
Get started →Get Studio Apartment Alerts
Receive email notifications when new studio affordable housing lotteries open across NYC.
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