NYC Housing Lottery: Top 5 mistakes to avoid

Applying for affordable housing through the NYC housing lottery can be a life-changer, but it’s also a process that requires attention to detail, as making certain mistakes can lead to disqualification, ruining your chances of securing an affordable home.

356 East 78th Street Apartments, lottery closing on April 14, 2025

Here are the top five mistakes to avoid when applying for the NYC housing lottery.

1. Providing False Information:

When filling out your application, honesty is crucial.

• Household Assets: You must report all of your assets when applying to the housing lottery. If undisclosed assets are discovered during your selection interview, you will be disqualified if these undisclosed assets put you over the asset limit.
• Household Income: You must report your taxed and documented income when applying to the housing lottery. If you disclose any unreported income when going through your selection interview, you will be disqualified.
• Address Details: Since 20% of all lottery units are reserved for residents of the local community board, you will likely be disqualified if you are selected for a set-aside unit in a community board where you do not actually reside.

Map of community boards for NYC Housing Lottery

2. Missing the Application Deadline:

Deadlines are non-negotiable in the NYC housing lottery.

• No late applications accepted: If you miss the deadline, you will not be considered for that lottery’s housing units.
• Visit Housing Connect often: Set reminders and visit often to make sure that you do not miss out on any opportunities.

Longview, lottery closing April 28, 2025

3. Submitting Multiple Applications for the Same Lottery:

Some people think submitting multiple applications for a single lottery improves their chances, yet the opposite is true.

• Don’t apply under different accounts to the same lottery: Just don’t do it, this will get you disqualified.
• One application per household: Only one person in your household should be responsible for submitting and managing your application.
• Choose one method — online or by mail: You can apply to a specific lottery either online or by mailing a paper application, but not both. Submitting through both methods will not improve your chances and may result in disqualification.

26–38 Jackson Avenue Apartments, lottery closing April 21

4. Not Checking Your Spam/Junk Email Folder:

All communication after applying happens through email, and missing an important message can cost you your spot.

• Missed emails = missed opportunities: Failing to schedule an interview or submit requested documents on time will result in automatic disqualification.
• Stay on top of your inbox: Regularly check your spam/junk folder, add Housing Connect to your safe senders list, and monitor your inbox throughout the process.

1730 Bedford Avenue Apartments, housing lottery closing March 20, 2025

5. Owning Real Estate Within 100 Miles of NYC:

Housing Connect doesn’t actually warn you about this, but property ownership within this range will disqualify you during verification.

• Residence doesn’t matter: Even if you don’t live in the property, ownership alone makes you ineligible.

100 mile radius around NYC

Final Thoughts

The NYC housing lottery is highly competitive, and small mistakes can cost you big opportunities. By avoiding these five common errors, you improve your chances of getting selected and securing affordable housing. Double-check your application, stay on top of deadlines, and be honest throughout the process!