Guides to NYC housing lotteries

How the lotteries work, who qualifies, and what to prepare.

• How NYC housing lotteries work

  Who can apply, how winners are picked, what preferences mean and what happens after you apply to an NYC affordable housing lottery.

• NYC housing lottery income limits 2026

  The 2026 income limits for NYC affordable housing lotteries by household size and AMI percentage, and how to read the income table on a listing.

• Documents you need for an NYC housing lottery

  The documents NYC affordable housing lotteries ask for once you're picked: household, income and current home, with where to get the ones you're missing.

• How to apply on NYC Housing Connect

  Create your Housing Connect profile, find lotteries you qualify for, apply and follow your application: a step-by-step guide.

• How to count your household income for a housing lottery

  What counts as income for NYC housing lotteries: wages, self-employment, benefits and gifts, what doesn't count, and how to get a yearly amount.

• Applying to NYC housing lotteries with a Section 8 or CityFHEPS voucher

  With a Section 8 or CityFHEPS voucher, NYC housing lotteries don't apply their minimum income to you. How it works, what still applies, and how to apply.

• Mitchell-Lama housing in NYC

  How to get into Mitchell-Lama rentals and co-ops in New York City: city and state buildings, waitlist lotteries, the application fee and the 2026 income limits.

• Rejected from an NYC housing lottery? How to appeal

  If an NYC affordable housing lottery rejects you, you have 10 business days to appeal. What to send, who reviews it, and what to do if the appeal fails.