HPD announces new marketing options to expedite housing rerentals in New York City

The New York City government held a meeting on April 29, 2025, to discuss reforms to the city's affordable housing lottery system. The primary focus was on improving the efficiency of the lottery process and addressing the challenges faced by applicants and housing providers.

One significant topic was the communication preferences of applicants. Officials explained that applicants can receive alerts about available units via text messages or emails, depending on their account settings. This flexibility aims to enhance engagement and ensure that potential tenants are informed about opportunities.

The meeting also addressed the role of marketing agents in the lottery process. While there are no direct financial incentives for these agents to expedite unit fill rates, the discussion highlighted that effective marketing agents tend to perform better, benefiting both tenants and property owners. The agency is currently analyzing data to understand the performance differences between marketing agents affiliated with development companies and independent agents.

A key point of discussion was the issue of rerentals, which have been a source of frustration due to prolonged vacancies. Recent changes were announced to streamline this process. The new approach allows marketing agents and property owners to utilize various marketing strategies beyond the traditional mini lottery system, provided they adhere to transparency and fair access guidelines. This includes the option to create waiting lists and use different marketing platforms while ensuring compliance with existing regulations.

Additionally, the agency is committed to a rapid review process for applications, aiming to reduce delays in tenant placements. During the rerental waiver period, resources for marketing agents will be made available on the Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) website, allowing applicants to access information easily.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to balancing fairness and efficiency in the lottery process. Officials emphasized ongoing discussions with marketing agents and property owners to ensure that reforms meet the needs of all stakeholders involved in the affordable housing system. The changes aim to create a more responsive and effective lottery system, ultimately helping more New Yorkers secure affordable housing.