Manhattan Lotteries
NYC Housing Lottery Manhattan
Manhattan housing lotteries are among the most competitive in the city. Developments span from East Harlem and Washington Heights to the Lower East Side. Units here often include moderate and middle income bands due to higher construction costs.
Affordable Housing in Manhattan
How to apply
All Manhattan housing lotteries are managed through NYC Housing Connect. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply. Create an account, find an open lottery, check the income requirements for your household size, and submit before the deadline.
Income eligibility
Each lottery specifies which income bands have available units. Income limits are based on Area Median Income (AMI) and vary by household size. For a single person in NYC, current AMI thresholds are approximately:
Community board preference
Most lotteries reserve 50% of units for applicants who already live in the community district where the building is located. If you currently live in Manhattan, check which community district you're in — it could significantly improve your chances.
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Check the building's health score before you apply — violations, complaints, and compliance data.