How to Win the NYC Housing Lottery | Everything You Need to Know

[@sincerelylatoshamonique8781]

I forgot to mention that my cousin obtained her apartment from Housing Connect last year, and she has a beautiful high rise overlooking the Hudson River in Manhattan. Just as you explained, she said the submission process was a hassle to the point that if you zelle yourself money to another account, they want to know what that payment was for. You did a magnificent job breaking down the entire Housing Connect process.🌹

[@therealhannahlee]

Ahhh amazing!! Congratulations to her! 🎉

[@broadwaymike92]

You kept persisting and won the lottery!!! Love the new apartment.

[@therealhannahlee]

Thanks, Mike!

[@anthony0358]

This video is going to help so many people.

[@therealhannahlee]

Thanks so much, Anthony!

[@rachelriggsby7459]

Great information for anyone apartment hunting in NYC. On a more personal note, love your new wallpaper!

[@therealhannahlee]

Thank you!! Bedroom decorating video to come! 🥰

[@lornahardin4563]

Presented very well Hannah, I bet more people in NY will sign up.

[@therealhannahlee]

Thanks, Lorna! 😊

[@D.N..]

Hi Hannah 👋🌹 Hopefully folks take your advice and register for the Housing lottery.. after all... if a person doesn't apply.. then its Zero chance of winning a spot.! I see on your video that Brooklyn Tower is in the lottery. it looks like it would be a very nice place to live. My situation is a bit different since my building was apartments but then converted to Condominium and residents had the first opportunity to buy... this was many years ago.. but I made the right decision. Your advice to register is always worth a shot, and your'e proof that it was worth the effort. 🌹🌻🍀 I hope your training for the 5K is going well!!

[@therealhannahlee]

Thanks DN! Love that you got first dibs on buying your apartment. 😊

[@donnarobinson9187]

Great video I have been applying since the last 6 years and no luck yet Hope this is my year

[@therealhannahlee]

Fingers crossed!

[@birminghamcloseup]

I loved this video Hannah, you explain in such great detail. You are such a gem. I am so happy for both of you. You thoroughly deserve it. He is such a lucky man to have a charming, intelligent, beautiful woman like you.

[@therealhannahlee]

Thanks so much! I appreciate it. 😊

[@MicArmus]

This is such a well made video!! I was so invested that I forgot I live in a house in Tennessee 😂

[@therealhannahlee]

Ahh thank you so much!! 💜

[@sherrylg2006]

Same, literally in Tennessee 🤣

[@career5690]

Same here and I live in Massachusetts.

[@26yevamena]

Excellent video. This was so interesting. This should get new subscribers!

[@therealhannahlee]

Thanks, Jill! I hope so! 🤞🏻

[@ACTIVEDIZZ101]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. Congrats on winning! I truly pray I can also win the housing lottery as well.

[@therealhannahlee]

Thank YOU for taking the time to watch my video! Fingers crossed for you!!

[@ramcesdelgado5123]

I took this as a class. Great knowledges given away. You have great smart ideas with your own words, Hannah!

[@therealhannahlee]

Thanks so much, Ramces! 😊

[@glennis-dankuwel6020]

Tks, Great vid! I was wondering about annually recertification, so it's great u covered that part. Also, the part about ur old lease elsewhere bc I don't want to damage my credit by breaking an old lease.

[@therealhannahlee]

Thank you for watching! 😊

[@michelleneary]

Congrats! I’m wondering how this rent compares to your last apartment? Is it higher or lower? Even if it’s higher, the rent stabilization is so key long term!

[@therealhannahlee]

Definitely should have touched on this in the video! It’s about $300 cheaper than our rent was about to be at lease renewal. 😊

[@tinaboulton8592]

Great video as usual Hannah. Very informative. Such a lot of work from your end and also from NY Housing ... SO much work. Good on you NYC

[@therealhannahlee]

Thanks so much, Tina! 😊

[@FionaCampbell-ss3cg]

I had so many questions when you first posted about your move and this video was really great! I'm curious though, are you saving money from your last apartment to this new one or is this one simply more upscale with more amenities? Rent: old vs. new & quality: old vs. new? Thanks!

[@therealhannahlee]

We’re saving about $300 a month from what our rent was about to increase to at lease renewal, and the quality of the new place is slightly more upscale. Also, our old place was a 1 bedroom, and this is 2! 😊

[@FionaCampbell-ss3cg]

@@therealhannahlee That's amazing! Definitely worth all the effort entering the lottery. Congratulations!

[@therealhannahlee]

@@FionaCampbell-ss3cg Thank you! 😊

[@Pjzweek6586]

I love the wall in the background! How much is the amenity fee?

[@therealhannahlee]

Thank you! Bedroom decorating video coming soon where we put up that wallpaper lol! The amenity fee is $75 per month.

[@mutechannel13]

I waited for 2 and a half years and I just got an email to send in my documents. I have them already. I hope i get it. My log number was 420

[@therealhannahlee]

Good luck!! 🤞🏻

[@laylayjohnson1855]

How do you check the log number

[@career5690]

Did you get approved?

[@CarlosOrtuno-c9p]

I was a resident of Sulzberger-Rolfe, on the upper west side on 95th street and Columbus Ave, "COLUMBUS HOUSE"

[@therealhannahlee]

Great location! 🤩

[@RichardLandsaw]

Hi Hanna this was an excellent video and great info. I have two questions, do you have to be a resident of New York to win and or sign-up for the lottery?

[@therealhannahlee]

Thanks so much! You don’t have to be an NYC resident to enter, but they do give preference to residents.

[@moriaswalton]

Thanks for this video. It’s thorough and helpful. We’re in the running for 2 buildings. #38 for one and #264 for the other. We’ve been told there are 1-3 applicants ahead of us for both apartments. I recently looked at the Google reviews of the buildings and am now concerned. Were Google reviews of your building accurate? One building has 3.9 and the other 2.9.

[@therealhannahlee]

Thanks so much, I’m glad it was helpful! Honestly, I don’t think we even looked at the google reviews. 😅

[@susangladstone357]

You Are the epitome of nice!

[@therealhannahlee]

That’s so sweet! Thank you! 🥹

[@lakorasarkodie5142]

I’ve had horrible experience with the housing lottery system and I’ve been on it since 2014

[@therealhannahlee]

I’m so sorry to hear that! Feel free to share here if you’d like.

[@Silkysky1]

Very helpful.. Want to go back home to my NYC... How can I apply from my unwanted current location ? Thank you so much in advance .

[@therealhannahlee]

You apply on the website, same way you would if you live in NYC. They do give preference to NYC residents, but no harm in trying!

[@crystalb9108]

If you selected the one bedroom and the person that selected the two bedroom moved out in a year or so, are you able to move into the two bedroom?

[@therealhannahlee]

I can’t be sure, but my guess would be, no. I think it would likely go to the next person on the waitlist.

[@debnhim8353]

👍🙋🏻‍♀️🥰✌️Hope you have a nice day Hannah. Great Video! 😊

[@therealhannahlee]

Thank you! 😊

[@catherinec2388]

Hi Hannah! Thanks for the info! I have a question, what does application snapshot mean? Also, my log number is in the 6000s..

[@therealhannahlee]

Hi! Are you referring to the part where I said that your account is like a snapshot of your application? If so, I just mean that it's more basic. You don't have to upload any documents or anything when you first set up the account. You just have to fill out a couple of pages about your, income, household size, etc. :)

[@wilfredosantanas]

Yes,Ive applied for housing lotteries but they say its "affordable" when it surpasses $1000 and up, I for one do not consider that affordable as I am low-income. I live in a shared apt and not to mention my funds are legally controlled by my mother and I feel stuck, I really would like a nice apt for myself.

[@poormanspenthouse]

You were so much help!

[@therealhannahlee]

I’m so glad! Thank you! 😊

[@sincerelylatoshamonique8781]

I've been on Housing Connect for years. The first time they reached out to me via email, I panicked because when I opened the attached application to complete, someone else's name was already pre-filled. So I got nervous and though this apartment must be for her. I should have followed up..On a happier note, I'm a Notary Public in NYC, so I love having to notarize a stack load of paperwork😊. Sweetest Congrats on your new home. #NewSubscriber

[@therealhannahlee]

Oh no, make sure to follow up if that ever happens again lol! Thanks so much for subscribing. 💜

[@_nataisiahamina]

Do you get to choose the apartment or they just choose it for you? Like let’s say there’s 12 2-bedroom apartments available do you get to see all of them and choose or just whatever they decide?

[@therealhannahlee]

I wouldn’t count on getting to choose. It may happen from time to time (like the guy ahead of us that got to choose between the one or two bedroom), but for the most part, I think you get what you get!

[@wendeouogabernardkafando5127]

@@therealhannahlee

[@ivanraut3224]

Can you be selected for multiple apartments/buildings at the same time?

[@Watchover09]

Had you used a CPA on your most recent tax returns when submitting documents for the self employment income? I’ve heard they require more stuff if your taxes weren’t done by a CPA

[@therealhannahlee]

Nope, my taxes were self prepared! I don’t believe using a CPA would have made a difference if I recall correctly. I believe anyone with self employment income was required to submit a notarized projected income letter regardless. Might vary depending on what agency is being used for a specific building though.

[@Watchover09]

@@therealhannahleedo you remember who you used to notarize your paperwork? I hope to follow in your footsteps and have submitted documents! ❤

[@charisseemery1828]

How are the log numbers generated ? How can you I obtain a low log number? Every time I apply, my log numbers are over 20,000.

[@therealhannahlee]

That’s the lottery part! There isn’t a way to make sure you get a low number, it’s the luck of the draw. Keep trying and best wishes!

[@dantecampbell8311]

Can you touch bases on vouchers and how does applicants with vouchers differ from applicants that does not

[@therealhannahlee]

I wish I could, but I’m unfortunately not familiar with how the process works for applicants with vouchers. Sorry I can’t be more helpful!

[@mylastmentor]

Congrats 🎊🎉🎈 . I was selected for a studio apartment, and the website says the monthly rent is $3100. Do you know if that’s the exact amount I would pay, or is that the regular price and they would give me some kind of discount? Thanks in advance for your help!

[@therealhannahlee]

Yes, the amount listed on the Housing Connect website is what you would pay. That sounds like a lot for a studio!

[@mylastmentor]

@@therealhannahlee Now I feel sad hahaha, when I applied I didn't think that the amount it said on the table was the exact amount I was going to pay, I thought it was the original Market price; I applied together with my brother but I understand that it is a lot of money for a small studio for two people, I will have to reject the offer, thank you very much for your time!!!!

[@therealhannahlee]

@@mylastmentor Ughhh I’m so sorry! Keep applying! 💜

[@DanyelleD.]

I have been trying for years with nothing. I also can't change my income on the site. How do I do that? Thank you for your help.

[@therealhannahlee]

Click where your name shows up at the top of the page and you'll get a drop down menu. Click "my household." Your name will show up under "household members," and should have "edit profile" as an option to the right.

[@DiannaCastro-m9i]

Hannah you are great detail by detail I just got called wish me luck thankyou❤

[@therealhannahlee]

Good luck!! 💜

[@NathalieTapia]

How do you see your log number?

[@therealhannahlee]

Once each lottery closes and log numbers are assigned, it will show up under the “my applications” section on the housing connect website.

[@career5690]

I just subscribed to your channel.

[@therealhannahlee]

Thank you so so much! 💜

[@mmsmart1014]

The people who is really in need of the housing lottery never gets it. I am one of them.

[@getlucky9554]

Hi, I'm glad for your happiness; living in the city is truly a miracle. May I ask if a married couple can apply from their accounts for the same apartment?

[@therealhannahlee]

You mean each of you would apply from separate accounts so you have two chances? I don’t believe that would work, as you’ll have to put info about both of you on one account to be considered together.

[@getlucky9554]

Yes, we put both family members on the account. But everyone still has their own account. That is, I create my own and add my wife, and she also creates her own and adds me. And we each submit an application on our own. This way we increase the chances. Or is it considered that we will apply twice for one apartment and this is a disqualification?

[@DanyelleD.]

How do you turn on the notifications on the Housing Connect Site? You mentioned turning on notifications. The lowest Log # for is 6800. Ouch!

[@therealhannahlee]

Check under "my account" and make sure you have the correct email address attached to your account. You should be receiving the emails automatically. :)

[@JuliaYoung-rg3zu]

Is that program in every state? West coast area only

[@therealhannahlee]

This particular program is exclusive to NYC.

[@marymotherofgod4861]

❤❤❤❤

[@tenlshi]

I got selected for a unit, filled out the interview packet the first week of this month, saw the unit the second week and my application status changed from under review to review complete the third week but the market agent said my file is pending for approval. How long does it take to get approved to sign a lease?

[@therealhannahlee]

I’d imagine it varies, but mine took less than a week!

[@jeanpinkston4589]

😊 what if you are already in affordable housing.

[@jeanpinkston4589]

And wants to move into another affordable housing 😅😊

[@therealhannahlee]

You can continue to apply for others!

[@paulaboyd9743]

Hi Hannah What an informative video. Not being an NYC resident, or even from the US, a lot of things went over my head - mostly about the paperwork. 🫣 When we got married in NYC though, we had to go inside 60 Center Street to have our paperwork notarised. Exciting stuff. Still so happy for you guys. ❤️

[@therealhannahlee]

Aw I bet your wedding was so magical!! 🤩

[@starquality6939]

Why does it matter if your log number is 12 instead of 534 isn’t it a lottery?

[@therealhannahlee]

Thanks for watching! The lottery is to get the log number. They’re all randomly assigned after the lottery closes, then they start working through them from the lowest number.

[@starquality6939]

@@therealhannahlee oh okay got it out of curiosity why do they call multiple people for one apartment and if the person before you chosen you get bumped out the lottery

[@therealhannahlee]

@@starquality6939 I’m not sure about this, but my guess is that it’s to make it go faster on their end. They’re likely assuming a certain amount of people will end up either not qualifying or not submitting at all, so they want to speed up the process by having a bunch of people submit at once. That’s all just speculation though!

[@LondonBroilSandwiches]

$4700 for a 2 bedroom in NYC is actually not that bad either!lol

[@therealhannahlee]

If you don’t laugh about it, you’ll cry. 😂😅

[@MichaelKuchar]

What happens if you apply and win as a single person then meet someone and want them to move in?

[@therealhannahlee]

I believe this may vary from lease to lease, as I’ve seen conflicting info online about it. I don’t have personal experience with this, so I can’t be sure. Sorry!

[@Splashgetcash]

Hey how long did it take for your rep to contact you after you submitted your documents? My log # is 203

[@therealhannahlee]

Not long! Responses over the whole process never took more than a couple of days.

[@davidnyc123]

You either work for a corporation or a city job.

[@therealhannahlee]

I don’t!

[@davidnyc123]

Forgot one. Or from the Midwest

[@therealhannahlee]

@@davidnyc123 I’m from the east coast. Defying all the odds over here apparently. 😂

[@davidnyc123]

The “east coast” 😜

[@davidnyc123]

It’s a lottery. Luck of the draw. Congratulations! Enjoy your blessings. I’m just messing with you. That’s what native New Yorkers do. ✌️

[@annielin2894]

I have waited for 8 years

[@therealhannahlee]

Ughh I’m sorry! I hope it happens for you soon. 💜

[@y3friiiii]

Same 💔

[@starquality6939]

Congratulations but this video is literally proof that the marketing agents are breaking the rules and regulations when it comes to the housing lottery

[@beasaroseco5840]

Its a scam. Its only for the people who could afford to move.

[@fahadulahmed521]

How important is the having a lower log number?