Nearly 20% of NYC affordable housing is for households making over $80K

NEW YORK (PIX11) – There are thousands of affordable housing units available in 35 buildings, according to the current inventory on NYC Housing Connect. 

Of the 2,227 units up for grabs, 443 units in 15 buildings are designated for New Yorkers earning more than New York City's median salary, $63,548, with income requirements beginning at $80,000 and higher.

So, why are nearly 20%, or one in five, affordable housing opportunities available for earners who make $80,000? 

We first have to look at what New York City defines as affordable housing. 

“Housing is considered ‘affordable’ when a household spends no more than one-third of its income on rent and utilities," according to the Department of Housing Preservation & Development. “Affordable housing is based on a household's percentage of Area Median Income (AMI), which the federal government sets on a yearly basis.”

When applying to one of the many opportunities listed below, NYC Housing Preservation and Development considers family size to determine the percentage of the Area Median Income. A full chart can be found here.

For example, a household of one person who makes $80,606 and applies to The Arabella, a current affordable housing opportunity, should pay at most $2,206 monthly rent. 

Unit	Eligible Income:	Units Available
285 East 163rd	$103,000 - $218,010	35
The Hartby	$85,543 - $218,010	62
The Arabella	$80,571 - $250,380	50
45-17 Davis Street Apartments	$105,875 - $218,010	37
The Clairemont	$105,875 - $218,010	25
Waters Edge	$82,115 -  $218,010	23
Mason Gray	$107,246 - $218,010	48
65 Fourth Avenue Apartments	$110,880 - $181,740	9
Martense Street Apartments	$112,526 - $218,010	3
967 East 167 Street Apartments	87,635 - $181 740	4
1308 - 1314 Lincoln Place Apartments	$102,686 - $181,740	8
14-09 31st Avenue Apartments	$87,429 - $181,740	3
234 East 203rd Street Apartments	$99,086 - $161,590	20
Hanover House	$113,726 - $218,010	95
2532 Grand Avenue Apartments	$105,223 - $181,740	15
103-41 120th Street Apartments	$106,183 - $181,740	3
1041 Boynton Avenue Apartments	$105,223 - $181,740	3

New York City's affordable housing lotteries have various income limits. For the complete list of opportunities, including New Yorkers whose household incomes are less than $80,000, click here.