Public Housing & Affordable Housing

The New York City Housing Authority:

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The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) provides decent and affordable housing in a

safe and secure living environment for low- and moderate-income residents.

To be considered for an apartment in a public housing development, click here to apply.

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At least one member of your household must be a United States citizen or a non-citizen with

eligible immigration status (green card holder, refugee/asylee). There is a waiting list for

those who apply.

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New York City Housing Connect

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NYC Housing Connect is a portal to search and apply for affordable

housing opportunities in New York City. On the site, you can:

• Learn how to apply for affordable housing in New York City.

• View current and upcoming housing opportunities.

• Start, save, and complete an application for your household.

• Apply to housing options for which you may qualify.

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Applying and qualifying for affordable housing can be a long process, and you are not

guaranteed to receive housing. In order to apply for affordable housing you may be

submitted to a credit and background check as part of the eligibility screening process.

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This requires you to have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification

Number (ITIN). Your household must qualify with detailed criteria on a property-by-property

basis and must also be selected at random in that property’s lottery.

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Due to the high volume of applicants, NYC Housing Connect cannot offer individualized

counseling on the application process. However, you may contact a housing ambassador in your area for more information and assistance on applying. You can also find downloadable guides to the process in multiple languages on NYC Housing Connect.

Homelessness Prevention

If you are about to become homeless, Homebase can help you stay out of a shelter.

Homebase will help you develop a personalized plan to overcome an immediate housing

crisis and achieve long-term housing stability.

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You may be eligible for Homebase services if you:

• Are at imminent risk of entering the New York City shelter system

• Are low-income

With 23 conveniently located prevention offices in the community that are staffed

with homelessness prevention experts, Homebase offers a range of services under

one roof, including:

• Services to prevent eviction

• Assistance obtaining public benefits

• Financial counseling and money management

• Help with relocation

• Landlord and family mediation

• Employment services/referrals

• Links to community resources

• Short-term financial assistance

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If you are thinking of going to a shelter, first call and make an appointment with a Homebase

counselor. Call 311 for the Homebase prevention office in your community

Housing Rights

It is illegal under the NYC Human Rights Law for landlords to:

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• Refuse to rent an apartment because of someone’s immigration status, nationality, or

religious beliefs

• Post advertisements stating that certain types of tenants, such as immigrants or people

from certain countries, are unwelcome

• Fail to make adequate repairs or provide equal services to tenants because of their

immigration status, nationality, or religious beliefs

• Harass or target tenants based on their immigration status, nationality, or religious beliefs

to vacate their apartments

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If you wish to report a violation anonymously, share a tip, or file a complaint, you can call

311 and ask for the Commission on Human Rights

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