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Housing assistance in New York

New York's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is run by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, and you apply through local HEAP district offices (HRA in New York City). Rent stabilization covers many older buildings in New York City and in towns that have adopted the Emergency Tenant Protection Act (ETPA). It is administered by NYS Homes and Community Renewal. Public housing and vouchers come from local agencies such as NYCHA, the largest public housing authority in the country.

Last checked Sources

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)New YorkPublic housing agencyBuffalo Municipal Housing AuthorityBuffaloPublic housing agencyRochester Housing AuthorityRochesterPublic housing agencySyracuse Housing AuthoritySyracusePublic housing agency New York State Homes and Community RenewalStatewideHousing finance agency Every housing agency in New YorkHUD directoryFind agencies serving your area

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in New York

Energy and utility bills

  • Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

    Helps low-income households pay heating costs (electric, gas, oil, propane, wood, coal). Apply online at mybenefits.ny.gov (outside NYC) or access.nyc.gov (NYC), or at your local HEAP district office. Regular and emergency benefits open on seasonal dates.

    Call 1-800-342-3009

Free legal help

  • LawHelpNY LawHelpNY

    Statewide site with free legal information on housing and other topics, a county-by-county directory of free legal services, and live chat help.

Official tenant guides

  • Residential Tenants' Rights Guide New York State Office of the Attorney General

    The Attorney General's plain-language guide to tenant rights in New York, covering leases, deposits, repairs, rent regulation and evictions.

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in New York

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

A deposit or advance may not exceed one month's rent. There are limited exceptions, such as seasonal units and owner-occupied co-ops.

N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108

Deposit return deadline

Within 14 days after the tenant moves out, the landlord must give an itemized statement of any deductions and return the rest. A landlord who misses the 14-day deadline loses the right to keep any part of the deposit. Willful violations can bring punitive damages of up to twice the deposit.

N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

Before starting a nonpayment case, the landlord must make a written rent demand that gives at least 14 days' notice to pay the rent or give up possession.

N.Y. Real Prop. Acts. Law § 711(2)

Landlord entry notice

No statute sets a specific number of hours. The Attorney General's guide says a landlord may enter with reasonable prior notice, at a reasonable time and with the tenant's consent, for repairs or services or as the lease allows. In an emergency such as a fire or leak, the landlord may enter without notice.

NY Attorney General, Residential Tenants' Rights Guide

Rent increases and rent control

Rent stabilization (ETPA) applies in New York City and in municipalities that have adopted ETPA, currently in Nassau, Rockland, Westchester and Ulster counties. Since the 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act, any municipality in the state may adopt ETPA when there is a housing emergency. Older rent control still covers some pre-1947 buildings.

Emergency Tenant Protection Act; HSTPA 2019 (per NYS HCR)

If the landlord won’t make repairs

Every residential lease includes a warranty of habitability that tenants cannot waive. A tenant can sue for a rent reduction or damages, and rent-regulated tenants can file a rent-reduction complaint with DHCR. A tenant who withholds rent can be sued for nonpayment but can counterclaim for breach of the warranty.

N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 235-b

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve New York

More local contacts: HUD’s New York resource page.

Next steps

  1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
  2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
  3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
  4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

  1. N.Y. General Obligations Law § 7-108New York State Senate
  2. N.Y. RPAPL § 711New York State Senate
  3. Residential Tenants' Rights GuideNew York State Office of the Attorney General
  4. Office of Rent Administration (ORA)NYS Homes and Community Renewal
  5. N.Y. Real Property Law § 235-BNew York State Senate
  6. Apply for Heating Assistance (HEAP)State of New York
  7. LawHelpNYLawHelpNY
  8. NYC Housing AuthorityNYCHA
  9. Buffalo MHA Official WebsiteBuffalo Municipal Housing Authority
  10. Rochester Housing AuthorityRochester Housing Authority
  11. Syracuse Housing AuthoritySyracuse Housing Authority