NYC Housing Lottery: Everything Renters Need to Know

Finding an apartment in New York City, let alone an affordable one, is difficult. The NYC Housing Lottery, officially known as NYC Housing Connect, gives renters the chance to snag affordable housing in a city where rental rates take most of your paycheck.

As of 2025, the citywide average for all unit sizes is $6,906, which is 228.54% higher than the national average of $2,102. Housing lotteries are one of the few routes available to renters to find affordable housing in this expensive city.

This guide breaks down what the NYC Housing Lottery is, how it works, eligibility requirements, and tips to increase your chances of success.

What Is the NYC Housing Lottery?

The New York Housing Lottery, also known as the NYC Housing Connect program, is an organization that offers affordable housing (such as apartments and co-ops) to individuals with certain household income sizes and amounts. You don’t have to live in New York to enter the lotteries, but there may be different requirements depending on the lottery you apply to.

The system was developed by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC), which provides NYC residents with homeownership and rental opportunities for those seeking lower housing rates.

How Does the NYC Housing Lottery Work?

Unfortunately, the lottery isn’t a single entity offering a citywide draw for rental and housing opportunities. Instead, it consists of multiple individual lotteries for various buildings. If you find a particular residence you’re interested in, you can apply for it through its individual lottery.

NYC Housing Connect maintains a catalog of open housing lotteries where you can browse open lotteries and apply to each one.

When a lottery closes:

1. Applications are randomized.
2. Each applicant is assigned a log number.
3. Property managers review applicants in the order of their lottery placement, verifying income, credit, and household details.

How Do You Apply to the NYC Housing Lottery?

NYC Housing Lottery’s application process is straightforward:

Step 1. Visit NYC Housing Connect, create an account, and set up a renter profile with your personal information, including your household income and size.

Step 2. Browse the site daily and view the “Open Lotteries” catalog to find residences that are currently accepting applications.

Step 3. Submit a complete application to the listings that you are eligible for. Please note that you can apply to as many lotteries as you wish.

Step 4. Wait to be selected for a lottery, which may take several months to occur.

Step 5. If your application is chosen, you must confirm your eligibility and provide the necessary documents, such as tax returns, pay stubs, and a birth certificate, and verify your household size, income, and any other relevant qualifications. Check NYC Housing Connect’s Checklist and Resources to ensure you have all necessary documentation.

What Should I Do Before Applying to a Lottery?

Before applying, ensure your finances are in order, as this can increase your chances of being selected. What does “having your finances in order” mean? It means you should start saving before you enter the lottery pool.

Having about two months’ rent saved to cover the security deposit, first month's rent, and other expenses ensures you can move into the unit as soon as possible. Setting aside money above the initial costs is also beneficial to your situation and could help you find new furniture or maximize your new space.

NYC Housing Connect encourages lottery applicants to know their rental history and current credit score when applying. They will request this information when you submit your application and prior to an eligibility review. This information will be used to confirm your eligibility or disqualify you.

Checklist Before Applying to the Lottery:

• Save at least two months’ rent for security deposit and moving costs.
• Check your credit score (most lotteries require 580+).
• Review your rental history to ensure accuracy.
• Gather required documents early to avoid delays.

Who Is Eligible for NYC Housing Lotteries?

You must be 18 years of age and have an income within a certain range to be eligible for your chosen affordable housing option. Applicants must also meet tenant selection criteria, including having a clean criminal record and no past bankruptcies. To qualify, you must also meet asset limits for rental units or homeownership.

Anyone is eligible to apply for an NYC Housing Lottery if they meet these requirements, even non-New York residents. However, preference is given to New York residents living in one of the five boroughs (The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island).

What Are the Chances of Winning the NYC Housing Lottery?

With an average of 3.5 million applicants to the NYC Housing Lottery each year, there’s a low chance of winning. That said, if you’re looking for an affordable apartment in the Big Apple, this is one of the best ways to find affordable rent.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to “improve” your odds of winning a lottery, and most recommend applying to as many apartment lotteries as possible until you win. Keep your profile up to date with accurate information on household size and income.

Are There Other Low-Income Housing Options Available in NYC?

New York’s other affordable housing opportunities. Programs such as affordable housing through the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), Section 8 - Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, and the Mitchell-Lama program provide New Yorkers with options.

Renters should apply to each of these programs individually and submit information such as income and household size.

How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for a NYC Housing Lottery Apartment?

Lottery applications take anywhere from two to twelve months to be processed. During this time, you can apply to other lotteries and update your documents to ensure your profile is up to date.

If a lottery has a high number of applicants, you may not hear back about your application status. When a lottery is closed, all entries are randomized and assigned a number. They are then processed, and this is typically when applicants are contacted.

Need Help Finding an Apartment in New York City?

If you’re hoping to lower your housing costs in an expensive city like New York, you can use rental platforms like Apartment List to narrow your search using specialized filters. Filter out all the fluff and find exactly what you’re looking for, from pet-friendly spaces to in-building or in-unit laundry.

Take the personalized quiz to get your matches.

FAQs About the NYC Housing Lottery

Do you need a certain credit score to win the New York Housing Lottery?

Most lotteries require applicants to have a credit score of at least 580 to be eligible. Credit scores, income, and rental history highlight a possible tenant’s responsibility.

How can I save on rent in New York City?

Many renters opt to live with roommates to reduce their housing costs. You can also apply to lotteries, such as the NYC Housing Lottery, or to low-income housing programs, including the Mitchell-Lama program and Section 8 housing assistance.

Are the NYC Housing Lottery and a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) the same thing?

No, a Housing Choice Voucher is part of the Section-8 program, which provides housing assistance to Americans, while the NYC Housing Lottery is a lottery where individuals can apply for the chance to win an affordable rental unit.