Navigating NYC housing is a lot. Here's a starting set of official resources we point our clients to. (Always confirm current details on the official site — programs change.)
Rental assistance
- Homebase — the first stop for eviction prevention and voucher applications (CityFHEPS “to stay” / “to move”). Call 311 to find your nearest office.
- HRA Rental Assistance Call Center — 718-557-1399, for questions about an existing voucher.
- One Shot Deal / Emergency Rental Assistance — a one-time grant toward rent arrears, through ACCESS HRA.
Know your rights
- Source-of-income protection — landlords can't refuse you for using a voucher or other lawful income. Report discrimination to the NYC Commission on Human Rights, 212-416-0197.
- Tenant protections — for rent-regulated tenants, increases follow the Rent Guidelines Board; free legal help is available through Homebase and local legal-aid organizations.
For buyers
- NYC HPD HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance — assistance for eligible first-time buyers (see the NYC HPD site for current terms).
- SONYMA — the State of New York Mortgage Agency offers first-time-buyer mortgage programs.
- NYS Department of State — official agency-disclosure and consumer real-estate forms.
Good to know
- NYC Department of Finance — public property records and sales data.
Have a housing question we didn't cover? Ask a Crown Royal Realty agent — we're happy to point you in the right direction.
This list is for general information only and is not legal or financial advice; verify all details with the official agency. Crown Royal Realty is an Equal Housing Opportunity brokerage.