• Where do I find out about all the types of affordable, i.e. regulated or subsidized, housing?
• Why is it that people in one building pay wildly varying rates for the same apartment?
• I am a low income person and have fallen behind on my rent. How can I get help?
• What is the Section 8 program?
• What are the eligibility requirements for Section 8 subsidies?
• How can I find student housing in NYC?
• Where can I get information about affordable housing for seniors?
• What are the income limits for public housing and "Mitchell-Lama" housing?
• How can I use the Internet to rent an apartment in NYC?
• Are 20% of new luxury buildings set aside for middle income tenants. How can I find this "80/20" housing in NYC?
• How can I get help in buying affordable housing?

Where do I find out about all the types of affordable, i.e. regulated or subsidized, housing?

This is a big topic. For starters, visit the affordable housing section of our Apartment Guide, dedicated to giving you information and advice on everything you need to know about rental housing in NYC.

Also visit the NYC Affordable Housing Resource Center, which provides comprehensive information on finding affordable homes for rent and for sale.

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Why is it that people in one building pay wildly varying rates for the same apartment?

Rent regulations, and the propensity of renters in NYC to stay in one place a long time, tend to 'discount' rents for long-term tenants.

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I am a low-income person and have fallen behind on my rent. How can I get help?

You may want to try the following groups/programs.

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What is the Section 8 program?

Section 8 is a federal program which provides housing subsidies to qualified low income households. The tenant must apply for either a certificate or voucher. Unfortunately the wait list for this type of assistance is very long (about 8 years in New York City).

Under the Certificate program, tenants generally pay 30% of their income as their portion of the rent. Owners must agree to a federally established "fair market rent." Under the Voucher program, the rent subsidy is the difference between 30% of the adjusted household income and a pre-established payment standard. If the rent exceeds the payment standard, the tenant must cover the difference.

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What are the eligibility requirements for Section 8 subsidies?

Eligibility requirements are determined by Section 8 sponsoring agencies. Visit our site page on Section 8 housing for contact information.

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How can I find student housing in NYC?

First, almost every college has a housing office or referral system. You should begin by contacting the institution you plan to attend. Ask the university the student will be attending to assist with any off campus listings they may have if the dorms are already full. You can also check bulletin boards at other area schools/universities for house share arrangements with other students or rentals.

In addition, there are many resources on the world wide web you might want to look at, which we have summarized for you in our Apartment Guide. You can search through the Guide on-line for:

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Where can I get information about affordable housing for seniors?

If you are in a rent controlled or stabilized apartment, or you are in a subsidized rental or co-op such as a Mitchell-Lama building, you can apply for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) Program. SCRIE exempts senior citizens who have a limited income and pay over 1/3 of their income for rent, from all or part of rent increases.

For more information about the program, view the fact sheet on our website or contact the Department for the Aging and HPD directly:

HPD can also help you get information about other affordable housing programs and cooperative apartment waiting lists. For a list of other benefit programs for senior citizens, visit the Attorney General's Housing Guide for Seniors.

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What are the income limits for public housing and "Mitchell-Lama" housing?

Subsidized housing programs such as public housing and Mitchell-Lama housing have a variety of income limits. For more information and contact information for these programs, click on the following links to reach our information pages on public housing, Section 8 housing, and Mitchell-Lama housing.

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How can I use the Internet to rent an apartment in NYC?

We have developed a web site just for people like you called the Apartment Guide. The Guide contains vital information about locating and renting all types of housing in New York City.

For information on short-term and other on-line listings services, visit the Apartment Listings section of the Guide.

For some on-line references to agencies specializing in roommates and sublets, visit the Roommates, sublets and student housing section.

Also take a look at the NYC Affordable Housing Resource Center.

Good luck!

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Are 20% of new luxury buildings set aside for middle income tenants. How can I find this "80/20" housing in NYC?

Under the so called "80/20" program, 20% of the units in certain newly constructed buildings are set aside for low and moderate income households. The rest (the 80%) of the units are rented at market (usually "luxury") rates. Developers of new housing are not required to participate in this program, but if a developer does, he receives low interest bond financing, tax credits and other benefits which make the 80/20 program worthwhile.

Ads for 80/20 buildings are sometimes seen in the newspapers and an up-to-date list is maintained on the NYC HPD website and the Housing Development Corporation's (HDC) website.

As you might guess, since these are new buildings, competition for the 20% of lower rent units is very high. You will need to make an application to each builder or developer.

You may also want to check out our website Apartment Guide under subsidized/public housing for many other links to programs that supply low- and moderate-income housing.

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How can I get help in buying affordable housing?

There are many resources that you can look into to find and purchase affordable housing. Start by contacting the following organizations:

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RGB Page Updated 7/31/08

Disclaimer: By providing answers to frequently asked questions the staff of the Rent Guidelines Board attempts to clarify the often complex programs and regulations governing landlord tenant relations in NYC. However the information provided herein does not represent official policies or opinions of the City of New York or the Rent Guidelines Board. Nor should this information be used to substitute for advice of legal counsel.