What Is the NYC Housing Lottery? 2026 Guide

The NYC Housing Lottery is the city's primary system for allocating affordable housing units to eligible New Yorkers.

Managed through the NYC Housing Connect portal, this lottery-based program gives thousands of residents the chance to secure rent-stabilized apartments at below-market rates.

Understanding the NYC Housing Lottery is essential for accessing affordable housing in one of the world's most expensive cities.

A computer-randomized selection system that distributes affordable housing units to income-eligible applicants.

Free to apply with no fees required.

Random selection with preference systems for community board, borough, and NYC residents.

Income-based eligibility tied to Area Median Income (AMI) requirements.

Process: Development completes → Lottery opens → Applications submitted → Random selection → Document review → Interviews → Lease signing.

Housing Connect is the official portal where all affordable housing lotteries are posted.

Single profile system powers all applications - your household information is stored securely.

Enhanced search filters by borough, AMI percentage, bedroom count, and accessibility features.

Mobile-optimized interface for applying on the go.

Application tracking dashboard shows all lotteries you've applied to and their status.

Basic eligibility: Live OR work in NYC (don't need to live in specific borough).

Income requirements: Must fall within lottery's AMI range (30%-130% AMI).

Household size match: Must align with bedroom count (Studio: 1-2, 1BR: 1-3, 2BR: 2-5, 3BR: 3-7).

No recent housing violations, evictions, or fraud history.

Preference categories: Community Board (50%), Borough (15%), NYC Resident (remaining).

Step 1: Create Housing Connect account at housingconnect.nyc.gov

Step 2: Browse active lotteries using search filters

Step 3: Read full listing carefully (address, rent range, income limits, deadline)

Step 4: Submit application online, by mail, or in person

Critical rules: Apply once per lottery, multiple lottery applications allowed, no duplicates

Step 5: Wait for log number (2-4 months after application deadline)

Phase 1: Application Period (60-90 days) - Submit your application

Phase 2: Lottery Processing (2-4 weeks) - HPD runs computerized lottery

Phase 3: Log Number Assignment (2-4 months) - Selected applicants receive numbers by mail

Phase 4: Document Request (6-18 months) - Submit tax returns, pay stubs, ID, proof of residency

Phase 5: Interview (1-3 months after docs) - Verify eligibility with marketing agent

Phase 6: Lease Signing (2-6 weeks after interview) - Move-in scheduled

Total timeline: 1.5 to 3+ years from application to move-in is common

Updated AMI Chart: 2026 income limits increased 3-4% from 2025 (60% AMI now $56,700 for 1 person)

Digital Document Upload: Upload docs directly through portal instead of mailing

Electronic Lease Signatures: E-signature options available for some developments

Enhanced Anti-Fraud Measures: Stricter verification including employer calls and IRS cross-referencing

Expanded Accessibility Options: More wheelchair-accessible and accommodation-friendly units

Apply to 10+ lotteries - odds are often below 1% per lottery

Target less competitive neighborhoods (Bronx, Far Rockaway, East New York)

Apply for larger units (3BR has less competition than studio)

Keep documents ready (tax returns, pay stubs, IDs organized)

Use automated alerts to never miss new listings

Apply early but not on first day (wait for listing corrections)

Never duplicate applications - causes automatic disqualification

Myth: "The lottery is rigged" - Reality: Computer-randomized system audited by HPD

Myth: "Need very low income" - Reality: AMI ranges go up to 130% ($122,850 for 1 person)

Myth: "Only U.S. citizens" - Reality: Legal residents with ITINs can apply

Myth: "Multiple applications increase odds" - Reality: Duplicates disqualify you

Myth: "Hear back in months" - Reality: Process takes 1.5-3+ years

Q: How many lotteries can I apply to? A: As many as you want, just once per lottery

Q: Can I apply if I don't live in NYC? A: Yes, if you work in NYC

Q: What if income changes after applying? A: Must notify HPD immediately if changes affect eligibility

Q: Can I choose which unit? A: No, units assigned based on log number and household size

Q: What if I reject an offer? A: Move to bottom of list, second rejection = permanent disqualification

Q: Need high credit score? A: Credit checked but perfect score not required