There are six housing lotteries opening in NYC. Finding an affordable place to live in New York City can feel almost impossible. With rents continuing to rise, many people are looking for other options. One program that offers hope is the city’s housing lottery. Right now, six new affordable housing lotteries are open across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens, with rents starting as low as $465 a month.

How the Housing Lottery Works

The New York City housing lottery is run through a program called Housing Connect. It’s an online platform where residents can apply for affordable rental apartments and sometimes even affordable homes to buy. To qualify, you need to meet certain income requirements that are based on your household size.

Each building sets a rent range that matches up with what the city calls “Area Median Income” (AMI). For example, some apartments are available for people earning as little as $19,000 a year, while others are designed for households making over $100,000. There are also special set-asides for people with disabilities, city workers, or those already living in the community where the building is located.

Why the Program Matters

Rents in New York City are some of the highest in the country, and many working families struggle to keep up. Affordable housing lotteries make it possible for more people to stay in the city without spending their entire paycheck on rent. While competition is high and not everyone who applies will be chosen, the program gives thousands of New Yorkers a chance at stability.

Details on the Six Current Lotteries

Here’s a breakdown of the six affordable housing opportunities now open in NYC:

  • 1440 Amsterdam Avenue, Manhattan: Rents start at $2,950 per month. Income requirements range from about $105,000 to $227,500. This building has 147 apartments available. Apply here.
  • Serén in Brooklyn: Apartments start at just $880 per month. Eligible income ranges from about $35,000 to $227,500. There are 35 units open in this building. Apply here.
  • 22 Frost Street, Brooklyn: Rents begin at $3,501. Households must earn between roughly $127,000 and $227,500 to qualify. Only 5 apartments are available here.
  • Wakefield Yards in the Bronx: This is the most affordable option, with rents starting at $465 per month. The income range goes from about $19,000 up to $160,700, depending on household size. There are 212 units available, making it one of the larger opportunities on the list. Apply here.
  • 2033 East 17th Street, Brooklyn: Apartments here begin at $3,495 a month, with eligible incomes between $120,000 and $227,500. Only 2 units are being offered in this building. Apply here.
  • 229 Beach 14th Street, Queens: Rents start at $2,800. Income limits range from $96,000 to $227,500, and there are 5 apartments available. Apply here.

How to Apply

If you’re interested, the process is straightforward:

  • First, check the income and household size requirements for the building you want.
  • Next, create an account or log in to Housing Connect to submit your application.
  • Finally, make sure to apply before the deadline. Each building has its own closing date, so timing is important.

Final Thoughts

Affordable housing in New York City doesn’t open up often, so these six lotteries are worth a look. Whether you qualify for the lowest rent option in the Bronx or the higher-priced apartments in Manhattan and Brooklyn, this is a real chance for New Yorkers to secure a place to live at a reasonable cost compared to the private market.