Can You Apply for NYC Housing Lottery If You Live Out of State?
Yes — you can apply for the NYC Housing Lottery if you live out of state, as long as you currently work in New York City. NYC residency is not required to apply. What matters is where you live or work at the time of application, and whether your household income falls within the lottery's eligibility range.
Here is everything you need to know as an out-of-state applicant.
Who Can Apply for the NYC Housing Lottery?
NYC Housing Connect, the official portal for all affordable housing lotteries managed by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), accepts applications from:
- NYC residents — anyone who lives in any of the five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island)
- NYC workers — anyone who is currently employed within New York City, even if they live in New Jersey, Connecticut, Westchester, Long Island, or any other state
- U.S. permanent residents and certain visa holders — citizenship is not required
If you commute to a job in New York City, you are eligible to apply. Proof of NYC employment is the key document.
How Preference Categories Affect Out-of-State Applicants
While you can apply, your odds are lower than for NYC residents due to the preference system built into every lottery. Here is how the preference tiers work:
- Community Board Preference (50% of units) — Residents or workers in the same community board district as the building get first access to half of all units
- Borough Preference (15% of units) — Residents or workers in the same borough as the building
- Citywide NYC Preference (remaining units) — All other NYC residents and NYC workers, regardless of borough
- General applicant pool — Out-of-state applicants who work in NYC compete in this final pool
This means out-of-state applicants are last in priority order. However, if units go unclaimed by higher-preference groups, they roll down to the general pool. In competitive lotteries with very high demand, this is rare. In lotteries with fewer applicants, out-of-state workers do get selected.
What Documents Do Out-of-State Applicants Need?
If you are selected and move to the interview stage, you will need to provide proof that you work in NYC. Accepted documents typically include:
- Recent pay stubs showing your NYC employer's address
- An employer verification letter on company letterhead confirming your NYC work location
- Your most recent W-2 showing your NYC employer's address
- Self-employment documentation if you operate a business in NYC (business license, client contracts, tax filings)
You will also need to provide standard documents required of all applicants: photo ID, tax returns for the past 2 years, and bank statements.
Can You Apply If You Are Moving to NYC Soon?
Applying before you move to NYC is not recommended unless you currently work there. The preference categories are evaluated at the time of your application. If you do not live or work in NYC when you apply, you will not qualify for any preference tier and may be disqualified during verification.
However, lotteries take 12–24 months from application to move-in. If you apply while working in NYC and then change jobs or move before the interview, inform the lottery administrator of your updated situation. Some lotteries allow for changed circumstances; others do not.
Common Mistakes Out-of-State Applicants Make
- Applying without proof of NYC employment — If you cannot verify current NYC employment at the interview stage, you will be disqualified
- Only applying to one lottery — With lower priority placement, you need to apply to multiple lotteries to increase your chances
- Missing deadlines — Application windows typically last 60–90 days. Missing the deadline means waiting for the next lottery
- Applying as a family when not all members work or live in NYC — Only one household member needs to work in NYC, but all members must meet the income and household size requirements
Should You Apply If You Live Out of State?
Yes — if you work in NYC and are serious about relocating. The process is free. The time investment is minimal. Your odds are lower than for NYC residents, but lotteries are randomized, and out-of-state NYC workers do get selected.
To maximize your chances:
- Apply to every lottery that matches your income band and bedroom size — not just one or two
- Sign up for email alerts so you never miss a new listing
- Keep your Housing Connect profile current with accurate household and income information
Related Resources
- NYC Housing Lottery Income Limits 2026 — Check your AMI eligibility before applying
- Free AMI Calculator — Instantly see which lotteries you qualify for
- How to Apply for NYC Housing Lottery — Step-by-step guide
- NYC Housing Lottery FAQ — Common questions answered
- Browse Open Lotteries — See all current NYC housing lotteries