New NY Housing Search: Long Island Affordable Rentals

New York Rolls Out a Modernized Affordable Housing Search—Here’s What Long Islanders Need to Know

Looking for an affordable apartment on Long Island just got a whole lot easier. New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has launched a revamped New York Housing Search portal that lets you browse listings, join waitlists, and—big upgrade—apply to open affordable housing lotteries online.

What’s new (and why it matters)

• One-stop portal. Lotteries and waitlists for HCR-financed communities are consolidated in one place—no more chasing paper applications or scattered links.

• Apply online. Submit lottery applications digitally, track your status, and cut down on mailing delays.

• Accessibility built in. Filter for apartments designed for mobility, hearing, or visual impairments, and translate listings or applications into the top languages spoken in New York.

• Owner tools = faster leasing. Property owners can post listings, accept e-applications, run lotteries, and manage waitlists—streamlining notices to applicants.

Long Island angle: This upgrade directly streamlines active local lotteries—especially in Hempstead and Wyandanch—so Nassau and Suffolk renters can act quickly without paperwork bottlenecks.

Two Long Island lotteries to watch

• Carman Place (Hempstead) – ~228 units. Applications are open with clearly posted income bands and deadlines.

• Wyandanch Village – Building L, ~218 units. A major new phase with a wide range of affordable apartments and a transit-friendly location.

(Dates and unit counts are subject to change—always verify details on the official listing before you apply.)

Who qualifies?

HCR-listed homes serve a range of households, including families, seniors, veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, and households needing supportive services. Each listing spells out income limits (AMI), household size, and any priority groups (for example, veterans or local workforce).

How to apply in 10 minutes (really)

1. Create your portal account. Set up a profile so you can save applications and upload documents.

2. Filter like a pro. Narrow by location (Nassau/Suffolk), unit size, rent range, accessibility needs, and amenities.

3. Open the listing. Review eligibility, AMI band, application deadline, and required documents.

4. Apply online. Complete and submit the application before the deadline.

5. Watch your inbox. Owners or their leasing agents—not HCR—run lotteries and manage waitlists. They’ll contact you if selected or for next steps.

Local tips from your LI neighbor

• Mind the AMI band. If your income is near a cutoff, gather pay stubs, W-2s/1099s, and ID now to avoid verification delays.

• Apply widely, not repeatedly. You can apply to multiple different lotteries, but don’t submit duplicates to the same property.

• Commuter perks. Wyandanch Village is steps from the LIRR hub on the Babylon Branch; in Hempstead, check the LIRR and NICE Bus for connections that match your work hours.

• Language support. Use the translate feature if you prefer Spanish, Haitian Creole, Mandarin, and other common NY languages.

FAQ: Affordable Housing on Long Island (2025 Edition)

Is this the same as NYC Housing Connect?
No. HCR’s New York Housing Search covers state-financed developments (including Long Island). NYC Housing Connect serves NYC-financed projects. For Hempstead, Wyandanch, and other non-NYC communities, start with the state portal.

Who runs the lotteries and waitlists?
Owners or their leasing agents conduct lotteries and maintain waitlists. Communications about your status will come from the owner/agent listed on the property.

Can I still apply on paper?
Some properties allow paper submissions, but the new portal is designed for online applications, which are faster and reduce errors. Always follow the instructions on the specific listing.

What documents will I need?
Expect income verification (recent pay stubs, W-2/1099), photo ID, household size proof, and—if applicable—veteran status or reasonable-accommodation documentation. Each listing will specify exactly what’s required.

Are there accessible units?
Yes. You can filter for units designed for mobility, hearing, or visual impairments right in the portal.

Where do I start?
Create an account, search Nassau and Suffolk for open lotteries, and keep an eye on Carman Place (Hempstead) and Wyandanch Village Building L if those locations fit your commute and budget.