How the different kinds of housing work

Lottery

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Names are picked by chance, so applying early does not help.

Everyone who applies before the deadline has the same chance. After the deadline, the names are put in a random order, and the building checks them one at a time. Being picked does not mean you get the home. You still need to show that you meet the rules, like the income limit.

Who it suits:

Good if you can apply by the deadline and are okay with winning or losing by chance.

How you get in:

Open the listing and apply on its official page before the deadline.

Waitlist

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You sign up for a list, and when an apartment opens up, it goes to the next person on the list.

The wait can be months or even years. Some waitlists are open for only a few days, and then they close. Being on the list does not promise you a home.

Who it suits:

Good if you can wait and want to get in line early.

How you get in:

Join the list, keep your phone number and email up to date, and answer fast when the office writes to you.

First come

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Applications are handled in the order they arrive, so apply as soon as you can.

The first people who meet the rules get the homes. When the homes are taken, the listing closes, even if the closing date has not passed. If there is a closing date, that is the last day to apply, so don't wait for it.

Who it suits:

Good if you can apply right away.

How you get in:

Open the listing and apply on its official page right away.

Income-restricted rental

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A lower-rent apartment for households that earn less than a set amount, called the income limit.

The building or the city sets the income limit for each household size. If your household earns less than the limit, you can apply to the building or to the city office that runs it.

Who it suits:

Good for working households that earn less than the income limit but can't afford the usual rent.

How you get in:

Each listing says if it is a lottery, a waitlist or first come, when the page we read says so.

Home for sale

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A home you can buy for a lower price if your household earns less than a set amount.

Many have rules. Some are only for people buying their first home. Some limit the price you can sell the home for later. Many buyers need a mortgage, which is a loan from a bank to buy a home. Many also need to take a short class.

Who it suits:

Good if you want to buy, including first-time buyers.

How you get in:

Each listing says how buyers are chosen, when the page we read says so.

Section 8 voucher

Government help that pays part of your rent. You find a landlord who accepts the voucher, and you pay about 30% of your income.

Your local housing office is the government office that runs housing help in your area. Its waitlists can be long, and a few pick names by lottery.

Who it suits:

Good if you want to choose your own landlord and neighborhood, and can wait for a voucher.

How you get in:

Open a listing and apply on its official page, or join an area-wide waitlist when one opens.

See the area-wide waitlists for Section 8 voucher

Public housing

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An apartment that your local housing office owns, where rent is usually about 30% of your income.

Your local housing office is the government office that runs housing help in your area. When an apartment opens up, you can move in if you still meet the rules. A voucher goes with you when you move. With public housing, the rent help stays with the apartment.

Who it suits:

Good if you want an apartment owned and run by the housing office, and can wait for one to open up.

How you get in:

Open a listing and apply on its official page, or join an area-wide waitlist when one opens.

Section 8 building

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An apartment building where the government helps pay the rent.

The government rent help stays with the building. It does not go with you if you move. You apply to the building, not to a housing office. You usually pay about 30% of your income in rent.

Who it suits:

Good if you want one particular building and can wait for its list.

How you get in:

Sign up for the building’s own waitlist.

Area-wide waitlist

One waitlist for a whole city or county, run by a local housing office. It is not for one building.

When you join, you are in line for help anywhere in that area, like a Section 8 voucher or a public housing apartment. These lists open and close. The wait can be long.

Who it suits:

Good if you have a low income and can wait a long time.

How you get in:

Join the list when it opens. Lists open for a short time and then close.

Apply-direct building

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A building with lower rents that doesn't announce when an apartment opens up. To get in, you need to call or visit its office and ask to join its waitlist.

Rents here are lower for people who earn less than the income limit. That is the most a household can earn and still rent there. Only the building can tell you if an apartment is free right now.

Who it suits:

Good if you are comfortable contacting a building yourself.

How you get in:

Find a building by state and city on our buildings pages.