Affordable Housing
See below for a listing of various affordable housing resources provided by the federal, state and city governments, and non-profit housing assistance organizations, as well as some other housing assistance options in the metropolitan New York area.
Advantage NY and Housing Stability Plus (HSP) Program
The City of New York's rental assistance program, Work Advantage, invests in homeless families and individuals who work full or part-time by giving them the rent support they need to move towards independence. It provides a strong motivation to work while moving households from shelter and back into the community. Work Advantage rewards work and provides incentives to increase earnings as continued eligibility is not tied to public assistance status.
Eligibility: The City of New York's rental assistance program, Work Advantage, is available to families and individuals currently in a Housing Stability Plus (HSP) apartment who are working at least 20 hours per week at minimum wage or greater, and are on Public Assistance or in Single Issue status.
Contact: DHS, Office of Re-housing, 33 Beaver Street, 14th floor, New York, 10004, 212-607-5310
Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy at New York UniversityA directory of New York City affordable housing programs is provided. There is also an interactive map available at: http://datasearch.furmancenter.org
and a tutorial at:
www.furmancenter.org/data/search
Housing Court Answers (HCA)
HCA is a service of the Citywide Task Force on Housing Court. HCA is a reliable resource for information about housing issues, and helps people navigate the complex world of Housing Court and NYC's tangle of housing laws and regulations. It provides information and hotline services about housing law, rent arrears assistance, homeless prevention guidance, and conducts training for community groups, unions, and elected officials.
Law Help in NY State
Find information on free legal aid in New York; learn about legal rights, courts, and other housing issues. Information is available in over 36 languages.
Legal Clinic for Tenants
245 West 104th St.
(212) 866- 3970
Call for dates and times.
At the office of Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell, serving New York’s 69th Assembly District (Manhattan Valley, Morningside Heights, Upper West Side and West Harlem), a free legal clinic for tenants is offered once a month.
To receive electronic newsletters, send an email to odonnelld@assembly.state.ny.us
Metropolitan Council on Housing
Non-profit organization which advocates for affordable housing and provides information on a variety of tenant issues.
Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City, Inc.
Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (NHS) serves the New York metropolitan area. Through financial empowerment and affordable lending, and a first-time homebuyer program, NHS enables individuals and families to invest in, preserve and improve their neighborhoods, their homes and their future. In addition to providing services throughout New York City, NHS is a community-based organization with targeted impact in the following neighborhoods: Bedford-Stuyvesant, East Flatbush, North Bronx, Northern Queens, South Bronx and Staten Island. NHS is a national network of over 230 community-based organizations in all 50 states.
New York City Civil Court - Housing
This web site provides information about Housing Court in New York City.
New York City Commission on Human Rights The New York City Human Rights Law is one of the most comprehensive civil rights laws in the nation. The law prohibits discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations based on race, color, creed, age, national origin, alien, age or citizenship status, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, and partnership status. A human rights complaint may be filed with the Law Enforcement Bureau of the City’s Commission on Human Rights, located at 40 Rector Street, 9th Floor, in lower Manhattan or any of their Community Service Centers. The law requires that the complaint be filed within one year of the last alleged act of discrimination.
New York City - Community Board
In order to find out if affordable housing is planned for a community, contact the locat Community Board. Wtihin the Community Board, the Housing and Land Use Committee will have knowledge of any future plans. In order to find a Community Board, first click on the boroug, and the boards are divided by neighborhood and area.
New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development
The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) is the largest municipal developer of affordable housing in the nation. Over the past six years, HPD and the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC), in partnership with other key organizations, have carried out the Mayor’s New Housing Marketplace Plan (NHMP). Through the NHMP, they have created or preserved nearly 100,000 units of affordable housing.
On HPD’s web site there are resources and information for developers, homebuyers, homeowners, housing education courses, residential building owners, residential tenants, apartment lotteries (both to rent and buy), Section 8, and Mitchell-Lama.
Also, there is the ability to sign-up for HPD email updates (orange rectangle on the upper right-hand side of the home page).
- Home First Down Payment Assistance Program: Many New Yorkers want to buy a home but don't have enough money saved for their down payment and closing costs. The Home First Down Payment Assistance Program provides qualified homebuyers with up to 6% of a home's purchase price toward the down payment or closing costs on a 1-4 family home, a condominium, or a cooperative in one of the five boroughs of New York City. Check the web site for qualification requirements.
- Middle Income Housing Development for Families & Senior Citizens (Mitchell-Lama): The Mitchell-Lama program was enacted by the State in the mid-1950’s as a way to promote and facilitate the construction of affordable rental and cooperative housing throughout New York State. The law stated that after twenty years from the occupancy date, the mortgagor is allowed to prepay its mortgage releasing the obligation of staying in the affordable housing program and giving owners the right to raise rents to market value. HDC created this preservation program as a means to encourage owners to keep their properties within the Mitchell-Lama guidelines.
New York City Housing Authority
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 throughout the five boroughs. NYCHA also administers a citywide Section 8 Leased Housing Program in rental apartments. Simultaneously, they work to enhance the quality of life at NYCHA by offering their residents opportunities to participate in a multitude of community, educational and recreational programs, as well as job readiness and training initiatives. Typically rent is based on 30% of the family’s adjusted gross income.
Contact:
Manhattan/ Queens Applications Office
55 West 125th Street, 7th Floor, 212-828-7100
Brooklyn / Staten Island Applications Office
350 Livingston Street, 2nd Floor, 718- 250-5900
Bronx Applications Office
1 Fordham Plaza, 5th Floor, 718-329-7859
New York City Housing Development Corporation – Low-income Affordable Marketplace Program (LAMP)
This program provides financing for affordable rental housing reserved for people earning a maximum pre-determined income. Apartments created through this program are rented out at affordable rents because of the low-cost financing offered through HDC.
New York City Rent Guidelines Board
NYCRGB is mandated to establish rent adjustments for the approximately one million dwelling units subject to the Rent Stabilization Law in New York City. The Board holds an annual series of public meetings and hearings to consider research from staff, and testimony from owners, tenants, advocacy groups and industry experts.
The site provides information on the housing market including resources for finding apartments, market data, landlord/tenant issues, rights and advice, question and answer forum, and guidelines for rent-stabilized apartments.
New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal
The Division of Housing and Community renewal in New York State is responsible for the supervision, maintenance and development of affordable low- and moderate-income housing in New York State. The Division performs a number of activities in fulfillment of this mission, including community development, housing operations, rent administration (including information about rent-control and rent-stabilization), and policy research and development for the state. Besides links to various forms and web sites, there is an Affordable Housing Directory, which can access locations of affordable housing by area (i.e. Manhattan).
New York State Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has information about tenant rights, laws and protections. The information is accessible by state. There is a Tenants’ Rights Guide, as well as a section on landlord law. Another part of the site also provides resources and information on homeownership, with links to housing counseling agencies, education about homeownership, predatory lending, home-buying assistance programs, HUD homes for sale, homeownership vouchers, as well as various other resources.
The State of New York Mortgage Agency
The State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) provides safe, low interest fixed-rate mortgages, down payment assistance and other programs specifically designed to help low- and moderate-income families become homeowners. There are several different programs which enable first-time homebuyers, military veterans, and low-income families to purchase homes.
Tenant Net
Tenant Net provides information on tenant issues, legal information and advice, as well as links to tenant organizations and government agencies.
Tenants’ Rights Guide
This guide is published by the New York State Attorney General and provides information on types of housing, leases, rent payments, lease succession or termination, habitability and repairs, safety, utility services, tenants’ personal protections, finding an apartment, and other resources.
UHAB/Urban Homesteading Assistance Board
UHAB provides home ownership information as well as information and listings on exsisting and newly-converted cooperative HDFC buildings.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
FHA loans have been helping people become homeowners since 1934. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) – which is part of HUD – insures loans, so your lender can offer you a better deal and therefore have low down payments, low closing costs, and easy credit qualifying. Your down payment can be as low as 3.5% of the purchase price, and most of your closing costs and fees can be included in the loan. Usually only available on 1-4 unit properties, and the property must be FHA-approved. Some condominiums are approved and can be searched on this webpage.
- HUD's Single Family programs include mortgage insurance on loans to purchase new or existing homes, condominiums, manufactured housing, houses needing rehabilitation, and for reverse equity mortgages to elderly homeowners.
- HUD's Multifamily programs provide mortgage insurance to HUD-approved lenders to facilitate the construction, substantial rehabilitation, purchase and refinancing of multifamily housing projects and healthcare facilities.
- HUD’s Regulatory programs are designed to assist homeowners, homebuyers, and regulate real estate transactions.
Asian Americans For Equality (AAFE) Community Development Fund (CDF)
AAFE CDF is a subsidiary of Asian Americans for Equality, a community based, not-for-profit organization established in 1974, committed to community service and empowerment targeting immigrants, low-income families and minorities throughout New York City. AAFE provides:
- Access to affordable mortgage programs
- Assistance in preparing to submit a mortgage application
- Setting up plans to save for a down payment
- Establishing or improving credit history
- Documenting income and savings
- Refinancing services
- Counseling in Cantonese, Mandarin and English
Goddard Riverside Community Center
These units are for formerly homeless single adults or adults at high risk of homelessness because of their age, income or disability and units for senior citizens and the mobility-impaired. Tenants must be capable of living independently.
Contact:
593 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10024
response@goddard.org
212-873-6600
Habitat for Humanity – New York City
Habitat for Humanity-NYC builds homes for ownership by families and individuals in need in all five boroughs of New York City. Habitat for Humanity - NYC builds affordable, quality "green" homes for hardworking, low-income New Yorkers, and serves families who have been living in substandard or overcrowded housing conditions or who have a severe rent burden (pay more than 50 percent of household income for rent).
Contact:
111 John Street, 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10038
212-991-4000
Hope Community, Inc.
This innovative mixed-income housing project, launched in 2007, and involves the creation of 69 units of housing on 10 scattered sites. The housing created will include both homeownership (co-op) and rental units for low- and moderate-income individuals and families.
Contact:
174 East 104th Street, New York, NY 10029
Representative: Annelis Meyer ameyer@hopecommunityinc.org
212-873-6600
NYC Department of Homeless Services: Homebase
Homebase is a city-wide program designed to help families and individuals overcome immediate housing problems that could result in becoming homeless, and to develop a plan for long-term housing stability. Program services are crafted to meet the unique needs of each individual or family and to help meet the demands of maintaining a household.
West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing (WSFSSH)
WSFSSH is a community-based organization located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side that responds to the need for low-cost housing. The mission of WSFSSH is to provide safe, affordable housing with supportive services within a residential setting that enhances the independence and dignity of each person. WSFSSH develops, manages, and provides safe, affordable housing with supportive services for low-income persons.
Contact:
2345 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
212-721-6032
University Settlement Society of NY Project Home
Project Home is a unique, comprehensive case management program helping formerly homeless and at-risk residents of the Lower East Side and Chinatown maintain their permanent housing, personal and financial stability, and family safety. The Project's strength lies in its ability to help almost anyone within the community who walks through the door, with direct service or supported referrals.
Contact:
University Settlement
184 Eldridge Street (at Rivington Street)
New York, NY 10002
212-674-9120
Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC) Home Improvement Program (HIP) by Westchester County
HIP funds may used for needed repairs and improvements of owner-occupied single-family homes, owner-occupied 2 to 4 family residences, condominiums and cooperatives. Repairs and improvements should include correcting any physical condition related to health or safety and other improvements to prolong the life of the building.
All areas of Westchester County are eligible. Home owners with incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), established by HUD, are eligible. The home to be improved must be occupied as the household’s principal residence. Eligible homeowners may receive up to $15,000 towards needed repairs under this program but these funds must be matched through contributions from other sources.
Fair Housing Council (Bergen County)
The Fair Housing Council offers assistance to people who are looking for housing and refers clients to agencies that may be able to help them if they have special needs.
Housing Assistance (Newark)
Administers the new construction and rehabilitation/renovation of safe, affordable housing and public facilities and non-profit owned, non-residential facilities.
Contact:
Division of Housing and Real Estate
Representative: Mike Meyer, 973-733-7918
Neighborhood Stabilization Strategy (Newark/Essex)
The five municipalities that make up the heart of urban Essex County – Newark, Orange, East Orange, Irvington, and Montclair – have identified neighborhood stabilization principles to guide efforts to reconnect targeted low-income neighborhoods to the broader housing and employment markets.
Public Housing Program (Yonkers Municipal Housing Authority)
There are 18 developments with 2,047 Conventional Public Housing apartments throughout the City of Yonkers.
Westchester – Section 8
There are 17 Section 8 program offices in Westchester County. Each office is an independent program with its own waiting list for assistance, program guidelines and areas of assistance. If you live in an area with a local Section 8 program, there may be the program that can assist you quickly; not all programs may have open waiting lists.
Contact:
Westchester County Section 8 Rental Assistance Office
112 E. Post Road, White Plains NY 10601
914-995-2415
The content in this document is being provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal advice and should not substitute for the advice of an experienced real estate attorney. Also, the links and references to web sites and organizations are provided for informational purposes only. Columbia University does not endorse any specific organization or web site and does not suggest that one source should be utilized to the exclusion of another.
