Affordability · NYC311

Housing

+ − Find an affordable place to live

Finding housing that fits your budget can be challenging. Housing is generally defined as affordable if it costs one-third or less of your income.

If you pay more, you’re not alone. Here’s where to look for affordable units with rents and maintenance costs that stay stable over time.

Housing lotteries Enter lotteries to rent or buy below market rate apartments. › Public housing Apply for a NYCHA apartment with rent based on your income. › Middle income housing developments Join waiting lists or enter lotteries for affordable rentals or co-ops. › Help buying your first home Receive up to $100,000 toward a down payment or closing costs of a new home. ›

+ − Pay rent and housing expenses

Rising rents and housing costs can make it hard to keep up with bills.

You may qualify for programs that help pay rent, utilities, and other housing expenses.

Renters

Support to stay in your home Navigate your options and apply for rental assistance with a housing specialist. › Ongoing cash help Get monthly cash benefits for low-income tenants to pay for rent, utilities, and other basic needs. › Rent increase help Know your rights and what to do if your rent is going up. › Rent freeze for seniors Stop future rent increases if you're 62 or older and live in a rent regulated apartment. › Rent freeze for people with disabilities Stop future rent increases if you have a disability and live in a rent regulated apartment. ›

Homeowners

Financial assistance for homeowners Manage debt, apply for low-cost loans, and create a plan to keep your home. › Property tax savings Lower your property tax bill with exemptions and credits. › Property tax payment plan Pay your property taxes over time instead of all at once. ›

+ − Keep your housing

Facing the loss of your home can be stressful, but you don’t have to navigate this alone.

There are programs and legal protections that may help you stay in your home and find a path forward.

Facing an immediate housing crisis?

If you’re being evicted, contact Homebase for alternatives to shelter.
If your home is unsafe due to domestic violence, contact Safe Horizon for emergency housing.

Support to stay in your home Navigate your options and apply for rental assistance with a housing specialist. › Emergency cash help Apply for a one-time grant to pay back rent, stop utility shutoff, or meet an unexpected expense. › Legal help for tenants Get referrals to free legal services and help to understand your rights from the Tenant Helpline. › Property tax pause Defer property tax payments if you're experiencing hardship. › Foreclosure and loan assistance Access financial and legal services if you’re at risk of losing your home. ›

Food

+ − Emergency food sites

You can get free food from a food pantry or soup kitchen.

Food pantries give you groceries to use at home. Soup kitchens serve meals at community centers.

Learn more

+ − Food benefit programs

You can get help paying for groceries by enrolling in a food benefits program.

Learn more on these pages:

+ − Programs for children

Public schools offer free breakfast and lunch to all students every school day. During the summer, anyone 18 years old or under can get summer meals at designated meal sites.

Learn more on these pages:

+ − Programs for older adults (60+)

Adults age 60 and older can get meals at older adult centers or home delivered meals (if eligible).

Learn more on these pages: