To help low- and moderate-income residents secure stable housing, the city offers a range of affordable housing initatives to help people stay in one of the most expensive places to live in the U.S. Some of these programs are less well known than others.

This guide is an introduction to New York City’s affordable and low-cost housing options with explanations on how to apply and tips on avoiding housing scams.

How to find a home in New York City with low or no credit score

Finding housing in New York City can be tough — trying to do so when you’re new to the country, with a low or nonexistent credit score can feel even tougher. But New York State law protects you. Here’s what you need to know about finding and applying for housing in New York if you have low or no credit.

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How to not get scammed when apartment hunting in NYC

Moving to New York City is exciting, but finding an apartment? That’s a whole other adventure — sometimes a frustrating one. Scammers may target newcomers, especially immigrants, because they assume that these people are not familiar with how renting works in NYC. This guide offers practical tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and find a safe, legitimate place to call home.

Do you qualify for this lesser-known affordable housing program in NYC?

The Mitchell-Lama Housing Program is a lesser-known but valuable source of affordable housing in NYC. It offers long-term, income-regulated rental apartments and co-ops to middle- and moderate-income households at below-market rates — a rare opportunity in a high-cost city like New York.

How seniors can access public housing in NYC

New York City is home to approximately 1.64 million seniors, a number projected to rise to 1.86 million by 2040 — about 20.6% of the city’s population. To meet the needs of this growing group, the city offers a variety of housing options, including affordable apartments, public housing, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Programs like the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) also help protect seniors from rising rents by freezing their rent under certain conditions.

How to apply for affordable housing in NYC

The federal government sets the Area Median Income (AMI) for each region every year. In New York City, whether you qualify for affordable housing depends on how your household income compares to the local AMI. In affordable housing, rent increases are capped at a certain percentage to prevent steep hikes.

How to apply for public housing in NYC

Public housing managed by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) offers affordable rental units across all five boroughs for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers. You may be eligible to apply if you or a household member is a U.S. citizen or holds a lawful immigration status.