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Mitchell-Lama housing in NYC

Mitchell-Lama buildings are affordable rentals and co-ops for moderate- and middle-income households, created by a 1955 state law. Each building keeps its own waitlist, so you apply to each one separately.

City or state building

• City-supervised buildings (HPD): lotteries for their waitlists run on NYC Housing Connect. The old Mitchell-Lama Connect site is closed.
• State-supervised buildings (HCR): you apply and check your waitlist position on New York State's Housing Search.

How the waitlists work

• Many waitlists are closed. When a building reopens its list, places on it are given out by lottery.
• Winning that lottery puts you on the waitlist, not into an apartment. You're contacted when an apartment of your size frees up.
• If a building's list is open without a lottery, ask its managing agent for an application.
• You can apply to several buildings at once.
• City buildings charge a non-refundable $75 application fee for new waitlist applicants.
• Veterans living in New York State may get a preference in buildings with an open waitlist.

2026 income limits (city buildings)

Maximum yearly household income when you're admitted (HPD, 2026):

The waitlist says whether a building is federally assisted and whether it's a rental or a co-op. The limits only apply when you move in.

Checked against official NYC sources on October 31, 2026.