FAQ's

RANDOMIZED WAIT LIST – APPLICANT FAQ

Rental Apartments | NYC

This FAQ explains how applications are collected, reviewed, randomized, and offered for

apartments. The process is designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance

with NYC, New York State, and Federal law.

1. What is a randomized wait list?

A randomized wait list is a fair selection process where all eligible applications received

during a fixed time window are placed into a random order. Apartments are then offered

one by one in that order as they become available.

This process removes discretion and prevents favoritism.

2. Who can apply?

Anyone may apply during the advertised application window, as long as they meet basic

eligibility requirements, including:

• Ability to lawfully occupy the apartment

• Income eligibility (or rental subsidy approval)

• Compliance with applicable housing laws

Applications submitted after the deadline are not accepted.

3. What is the application deadline?

May 31, 2026

Applications must be submitted by this date to be considered. Late applications cannot be

added to the wait list.

4. Are vouchers accepted?

Yes. Housing Vouchers and Rental Subsidy Programs are accepted.Applicants with rental assistance (such as Section 8, CityFHEPS, or other lawful subsidies)

are welcome to apply and are treated equally in the process.

Voucher applicants remain eligible unless their public housing agency formally denies the

subsidy.

5. Are voucher applicants placed in a separate wait list?

No.

Voucher and non-voucher applicants who are eligible are randomized together in the

same list. No preference or penalty is applied based on voucher status.

6. How are applications reviewed before randomization?

Before randomization, applications are reviewed only for basic eligibility, not ranked.

Applicants are categorized as:

1. Eligible – Non-Voucher

2. Eligible – Voucher

3. Ineligible (with a written reason)

Only eligible applicants are included in the random draw.

7. What could make an application ineligible?

Examples include:

• Application submitted after the deadline

• Rent would exceed affordability limits without a subsidy

• Failure to meet lawful occupancy requirements

If an application is deemed ineligible, the applicant will receive an explanation (by Email).

8. How does the randomization work?

• Randomization occurs within 3 business days after the application deadline

• A standardized Excel randomization tool is used

• The order is fully random

• Once created, the list cannot be rearranged

The randomized list is used internally to make offers.

9. Can the order be changed later?

No.

Manual reordering, preference adjustments, or broker discretion are not allowed under the

rules governing this process.

10. How are apartments offered?

Apartments are offered sequentially, following the randomized order:

• Applicants are contacted when their turn is reached

• Applicants typically have 48–72 hours to respond

• If declined, the next eligible applicant is contacted

11. What happens if I decline an apartment?

If you decline an apartment that is affordable and appropriate for your household, you

may be removed from the wait list. Once removed from the list, you would not be offered

another opportunity lease an apartment.

This ensures fairness to other applicants.

12. What if I have a voucher and need time for inspections or paperwork?

Voucher holders are given reasonable time for:

• Required inspections

• Public agency paperwork

• Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) processing

Applicants will not be skipped due to expected administrative delays by a public agency.

13. Can an applicant be skipped?

An applicant may be skipped only if:

• They withdraw their application

• They do not accept the next available apartment

• They fail final verification

• A public housing agency denies the subsidy

14. How many people are allowed to live in an apartment?

NYC uses a habitable-room rule, not a bedroom rule.

General guidelines:

• Studios: up to 2 people

• 1-Bedroom: up to 4 people

• 2-Bedroom: up to 6 people

• 3-Bedroom: up to 8 people

Living rooms count as habitable rooms. Kitchens and bathrooms do not.

15. Are criminal background checks part of the application?

In NYC:

• Criminal history is not considered during the application or wait list process

• It may be reviewed only after a conditional offer of housing

• Applicants are entitled to notice, explanation, and an opportunity to respond under

NYC’s Fair Chance for Housing Law

16. What ensures this process is fair?

This process is governed by:

• NYC Housing Maintenance Code

• NYC Human Rights Law

• Fair Housing Act

• HUD and DHCR guidance

The guiding principle is simple:

Randomization is fair because it removes discretion rather than disguising it.

17. Who can I contact with questions?

Contact information will be provided in the advertisement or application portal. All

inquiries are handled in accordance with fair housing laws.

Final Note to Applicants

Every eligible application received by the deadline is treated equally.

No preferences, side agreements, or informal decisions are allowed.

Thank you for your interest and for participating in a fair and transparent housing process.