1. Apply before the deadline
HPD says you can apply online or by mail, and your chances are the same either way as long as the application is submitted before the deadline.
Plain-language walkthrough
How the Housing Connect lottery process usually works.
This page is meant to assist you and help you understand how the process goes. It is not an official decision tool and it cannot promise that you will be contacted, approved, or offered an apartment.
Lottery steps
From application to apartment offer.
2. Applications are randomized
After the deadline, Housing Connect randomizes the applications and assigns a log number. Lower log numbers usually help, but preferences can affect who gets reviewed first.
3. Preference batches are reviewed first
Current HPD/HDC rules say approved set-asides and preference batches are processed before the general pool.
4. Eligibility review starts
If your number comes up and your application appears to qualify, you may be asked for documents to confirm household size, income, address, and other details.
5. Agency review follows
After a developer or marketing agent reviews your file, HPD or HDC may review it for accuracy before a lease can move forward.
6. Offer, no unit, or rejection
You may get an offer, a no-unit-available outcome, or a rejection with appeal instructions. Even a document request does not guarantee an apartment.
Set-asides and preferences
Who may be reviewed first.
Exact project rules can differ by financing and ad terms, but these are the main categories called out in current HPD/HDC materials.
Disability set-asides
The current Marketing Handbook says at least 5% of units must be set aside for households with a mobility disability and at least 2% for households with a hearing or vision disability in qualifying city-assisted projects.
Community preference
HPD says the agency may require a percentage of units to be reserved for residents of the same Community District as the building. The exact percentage is project specific and should be checked in the ad.
Municipal employee or veteran preference
A November 15, 2025 addendum expanded this category so newly published lotteries include a 10% preference for eligible New York City municipal employees and military veterans.
NYC resident preference
After the set-asides and project-specific preferences are handled, New York City residents in the general pool are processed before non-residents.
Homeless referrals
HPD may require some preference or set-aside units to be used for eligible households referred from shelter, depending on the project rules.
Check the ad every time
Preferences are not identical across every listing. The safest rule is to read the ad carefully and confirm which preference boxes actually apply to that apartment.
Call order
How applicants are usually called.
First: approved set-aside and preference batches are created.
Then: those batches are processed in this order: disability set-asides, Community Board residents, then municipal employee or veteran preference.
Then: eligible NYC residents in the general pool are processed before non-residents.
Within batches: marketing agents generally move in batch order and then log number order, while also matching unit size and income band.
If a unit is not available: an eligible applicant may remain pending or receive a no-unit-available notice.
If contacted: respond quickly. HPD guidance says applicants may have only a few business days to submit documents.
Timing
How long it can take.
Initial wait
HPD’s applicant guide says processing can take roughly 2 to 12 months after the deadline.
Interview or document request
The “After You Apply” guide says appointments are commonly scheduled about 2 to 10 months after the deadline.
No news can still be normal
You may never hear back on a specific lottery, especially if many people applied or your log number is high.
Official sources