All Laws Decoded

Section 8 in New York: Housing Authorities and How to Apply

Section 8 (the Housing Choice Voucher program) is run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). You apply to the agency that serves where you want to live; many keep waiting lists that open only at times. Here are the agencies serving New York's largest areas, from HUD's official contact list and each agency's site.

Is it illegal for a New York landlord to refuse Section 8? Yes, statewide. Refusing to rent, or setting different terms, because of a person's 'lawful source of income' is an unlawful discriminatory practice. The definition includes child support, alimony, foster care subsidies, Social Security, any federal, state, or local public assistance or housing assistance, including Section 8 vouchers (whether or not paid directly to the landlord), and any other lawful income. N.Y. Exec. Law § 296(5)(a); § 292 (definition of 'lawful source of income')

Housing authorities in New York

Source: HUD public housing agency contact list. Check the agency's own site before applying; waiting lists open and close.

Statewide housing agency

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), which includes the NYS Housing Finance Agency — Runs the statewide Section 8 voucher program, administers rent regulation for rent-stabilized apartments through its Office of Rent Administration (tenant complaints and forms), and lists open affordable-housing lotteries and Mitchell-Lama waitlists.

Help paying rent in New York

How to apply

  1. Find the housing authority for the city or county where you want to live (list above).
  2. Check whether its voucher waiting list is open; many open for short windows or use a lottery.
  3. Apply only through the agency's official site or office. Applying is free — no one may charge you to get on a list.
  4. Keep your contact information current with the agency so you do not lose your place.
  5. When a voucher is issued, you find a rental whose rent fits the agency's payment standard and that passes inspection.

Rent levels (HUD Fair Market Rent) and local help by county

New York tenant rights · Free legal help in New York · Section 8 in other states

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.