You may have heard of the affordable housing lotteries in NYC. A couple of City agencies run these lotteries to place candidates in buildings across the five boroughs. Typically, real estate developers receive tax abatements and other incentives to allocate a percentage of their new buildings to affordable housing. Units in the lottery are rent-stabilized and usually in luxury amenity style buildings. This is what you need to know about participating in the lotteries:

1. Eligibility is based on the Area Median Income (AMI).

Every building has a different set of requirements depending on where it is, how big it is, and the agreement established with the City. Some apartments may be reserved for people who make 50% of the AMI, while others may be reserved for applicants who make 130% of the AMI. For example, if the AMI of a given neighborhood is $80,000 then 50% of the AMI is $40,000 and 130% is $104,000. Below is a matrix of an open lottery in the Bronx. Essentially all applicants need to make 130% of the median income. A single person applying for a studio would qualify if they made between $98,915-$128,570. Their rent would be $2,885 a month. Every lottery has different bands and requirements. Renters should check the NYC Housing Connect website to track the lotteries.

2. Some Lotteries Have a “Community Preference” or other requirements.

Some buildings will have a percentage of apartments reserved only for applicants who are from that community. This is a way to make sure that residents in the neighborhood are the ones benefiting from the new housing construction. There have been criticisms of this qualifier and some feel it makes getting a spot in the lottery even harder. Some buildings also have units reserved for City employees, disabled folks or seniors. Be sure to read the fine print of each lottery.

3. The application is thorough!

Renters can submit their applications online or by mail. The application is extensive. You’ll need things like tax papers, how much money you make, and a proof of identity like a driver’s license. Don’t waste time applying for lotteries you don’t qualify for, and double check your info because if you get selected the Housing Connect office will verify everything you put on your application (i.e. calling your employer, calling the bank etc.).

4. This process requires patience.

We’ve heard from renters who have waited longer than a decade for a call. Others have got in right away. There’s no clear way to get in, but renters who have been successful have shared that they applied repeatedly and always had their paperwork in order. You also have to be ready to move fast if you get a call!

Understandably, renters are frustrated with the lack of affordable housing in NYC and some feel that even the lottery rents are not reasonable. The program isn’t perfect, but it can be a great way to secure stabilized housing in an amenity building. The lottery is competitive and can be a tiring process, but it doesn’t hurt to get your name in the hat.

Are you apartment-hunting? Be sure to browse affordable and rent-stabilized listings on openigloo.

So, you need a new apartment in New York City. Maybe you know 100% you’re not renewing your lease. Or you just got a job in NYC but it doesn’t start for a few months. Maybe you’re moving for school and want to get a head start on the hunt. But in NYC, searching for apartments more than 30 days in advance is a no-go. The market moves fast and real-estate brokers and agents will ignore you if your move-in date is too far in the future. So what can you do if you don’t want to rush and feel pressured to find an apartment in just a couple of weeks?

Here are a few tips for searching early in NYC.

1. Look on community forums for lease breaks or takeovers.

In some cases, tenants may post their lease breaks early if they know they have to move. They can be hard to track down, but if the stars align, you may find a post that coincides with your move-in.

2. Call buildings directly to see if they have upcoming availability that match your dates.

If there’s a building you like, but there isn’t any future availability, give their leasing office a call. Leave your info and tell them the dates you’re looking for. Hopefully they follow up if something matches up later on.

3. Browse future listings on openigloo to find NYC apartments in advance

Put your desired move-in range on openigloo, and it’ll show you all apartments that may be coming available during that window. Openigloo will only show apartments that you’re eligible for during your timeframe. This is your way to get ahead of the craze and connect with a landlord before the apartment is even available. No more crowded open houses and bidding wars.

Finding an apartment in NYC is tough – but it can be a little easier if you leverage the right strategies. Research the buildings and landlords, read reviews on openigloo, and check the city data to make sure the property is in good shape.

Are you apartment hunting? Check out available and future listings on openigloo.

Don’t make these common mistakes if you want to try and get a response from NYC real-estate agents every time!

Renting in New York City can be frustrating to say the least. Getting the attention of NYC real-estate agents can be even more of a challenge. They get inundated with requests and emails from renters eager to rent the spaces they represent. So how can you get an agent’s attention and ensure that they reply to you every time?

Well here’s a few things you should STOP saying: Is this still available? When can I see it? Can you send me a video tour? Is the rent negotiable?

While all of these questions seem like perfectly logical things to ask a NYC real-estate agents – you’re likely going to be ignored. Why? Because agents need to prioritize who they respond to and will likely only engage with tenants who they think are serious. Agents will want to know who you are, when your move-in date is, what your financial profile looks like and how many occupants you’re applying with. Most agents will not agree to show you an apartment without having a good sense that you’re eligible for the unit.

So what should you do instead? Here are 2 email/message templates you can use to do your outreach to NYC real-estate agents:

1. You have a strong financial profile and are eligible for the apartment.

Hi Agent, 

I am very interested in apartment ## that you posted at {building address}. If it’s still available, I’d like to schedule a viewing some time this week. My availability is [insert availability - for example; M-F after 4pm]. 

I am looking to move-in with my {1/2/3+} housemates on {insert date}. Our gross household income is approx. $XXXXXX and our credit scores are xxx+.  

We have our application together and are ready to proceed quickly if we like the space. [insert any questions you may have about the unit here - for example; Can you share more information about the condo board approval process, can you share a video tour etc.] 

I can be reached by email or phone number [insert contact info]. 

Thanks, 
Renter

2. You do not meet the income or credit requirements for the apartment.

Hi Agent, 

I am very interested in apartment ## that you posted at {building address}. If it’s still available, I’d like to schedule a viewing some time this week. My availability is [insert availability - for example; M-F after 4pm]. 

I am looking to move-in with my {1/2/3+} housemates on {insert date}. Our gross household income is approx. $XXXXXX and our credit scores are xxx+. We understand that we are shy of the income/credit requirements but we will be applying with a guarantor who makes 80x the rent and has strong US credit. [If you can, share a reason about why you don’t meet the requirements - for example; we are a group of new grads who will be starting our jobs in the coming months or we are new to the US and don’t have any credit history as of yet]. 

We have our application together and are ready to proceed quickly if we like the space. [insert any questions you may have about the unit here]. 

I can be reached by email or phone number [insert contact info]. 

Thanks, 
Renter

If you are searching remotely, simply let the agent know and ask to set up a virtual tour. This is a good way to verify that the apartment exists and is not a scam. Check our other post on how to avoid rental scams in NYC.

This may seem like a lot of effort, but the more intentional you are in your agent outreach, the more successful you’ll be with your apartment hunt. Agents prioritize working with the tenants who are organized and ready to move forward.

If you have questions about the building or landlord you’re considering, check openigloo for reviews and anonymously ask other renters questions. This can be a great way to learn about things you may not be comfortable asking the broker about!