Rising rent and housing costs across the boroughs are a familiar reality for many New Yorkers. As the city continues to grow, demand for housing remains at an all-time high—but thankfully, programs aimed at keeping NYC accessible are still opening doors.
Programs such as affordable housing lotteries are designed to help residents find stable, attainable homes. A recently opened lottery is presenting a particularly exciting “ultra-rare” opportunity: the chance to secure an apartment where your rent is determined by your earnings, rather than a fixed market rate.
📍 The Location: Courtlandt Manor
Located at 784 Courtlandt Ave in the Melrose neighborhood of The Bronx, Courtlandt Manor is a brand-new seven-story development. For five specific units in the building, eligible tenants will only pay 30% of their annual income toward rent—a massive relief in a city where many pay over half their paycheck to landlords.
The development offers four unit types for this specific income-based option—studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments—designed to accommodate everyone from individuals to large families.
📋 Details At a Glance (30% AMI Units)
| Unit Size | Units Available | Max. Household Income | Household Size |
| Studio | 1 | Up to $38,880 | 1–2 People |
| 1 Bedroom | 1 | Up to $43,740 | 1–3 People |
| 2 Bedroom | 2 | Up to $52,500 | 2–5 People |
| 3 Bedroom | 1 | Up to $60,270 | 3–7 People |
Note: Additional units are available for those earning between 50% and 70% AMI, with fixed rents ranging from $910 to $2,298.
🛋️ Inside The Building
Courtlandt Manor isn’t just affordable; it’s built for modern NYC living. Residents will have access to:
- Card-operated laundry room
- Community room for gatherings
- On-site social service office
- Energy-efficient heating (rent includes electricity for heating and hot water)

✅ Eligibility & Set-Asides
To ensure inclusivity, a percentage of these units are specifically set aside for:
- Residents with Mobility/Vision/Hearing impairments
- Community Board Residents (Bronx CB 01)
- Municipal Employees & Military Veterans
🕒 How To Apply Before The Deadline
If this opportunity feels like the right fit, you have to move fast—the lottery officially closes on March 12, 2026. Applications are currently open through NYC Housing Connect.
Interested renters can apply online or request a paper application by mail.
Pro Tip: Be sure to review the income and household size requirements carefully. Submit only one application per household—duplicate applications can lead to automatic disqualification.
For more information and to submit your application, visit the NYC Housing Connect official website.