Help! Love, MOM

Good news for apartment hunters!

The City reports that starting May 1, 2025, New York City is making it easier — and quicker — to find an affordable apartment.

For one year, the city will temporarily waive certain rules that typically slow down the process. Instead of waiting for the usual Housing Connect lottery, eligible renters can apply directly to landlords or brokers.

These will now advertise available units publicly on sites like StreetEasy, Craigslist, and the HPD website. Best of all? Apartments will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

This streamlined approach aims to fill the hundreds of income-restricted apartments that have sat empty. Once a landlord verifies eligibility, applicants can submit their info to the city for final approval — and move in if approved.

The initiative also extends to subsidized properties for sale and is part of a broader effort by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development to get affordable homes into the hands of those who need them faster.

So, if you’re eligible, be ready to make your move.

The ability to rent an affordable, safe apartment is a major step toward

~upward mobility,

~locating and keeping a good job,

~stabilizing physical health, and the

~maintenance of good mental health. Stable housing elevates individuals and entire families. By extension, safe affordable housing elevates entire neighborhoods and a city.

When I was an apartment hunter, I was super glad that I was able to help the process along. This was back when one could find apartments listed in the newspaper.

I called the number listed to make sure it was legit, spoke to a management company rep, physically went to collect the application, and returned it completed the next day.

My daughter and I lived in that apartment for 20 years together while I saved money for a house and put her through college. Today, she still lives there.

Like George and Weezie – move on up!

Blessings,

xoxo Kimberly