How to Rent an Apartment With CityFHEPS

A practical roadmap for NYC tenants

CityFHEPS can pay part of your rent in a private apartment, but the lease only happens when HRA, the landlord, and the unit all align. This guide walks through the usual order of steps. HomeRun handles much of the landlord side so you can focus on choosing the right home.

Step 1 — Confirm your CityFHEPS approval

CityFHEPS is administered by NYC HRA. Your caseworker issues approvals that specify household size, program type, and rent limits. Before you commit to an apartment, confirm:

  • Your CityFHEPS case is active.
  • The bedroom size on your approval fits the apartment.
  • The asking rent is within what HRA can approve for that unit.

Step 2 — Find a willing landlord

Not every listing accepts CityFHEPS. HomeRun maintains relationships with owners across NYC who will lease to CityFHEPS tenants and complete HRA’s landlord packet. You can also read about CityFHEPS apartments in NYC and sign up so we can propose units that match your approval.

Step 3 — Apply and get accepted

Landlords still screen applicants. In New York City, refusing a tenant because they use a housing voucher is source-of-income discrimination. Once the landlord agrees to rent to you, HRA needs lease details and owner information to begin rent approval.

Step 4 — Inspection

The apartment must pass a program inspection before move-in. Common issues include smoke detectors, window guards, and basic safety repairs. HomeRun helps landlords prepare so re-inspections are less likely to delay your lease.

Step 5 — Lease and move-in

After rent approval and a passed inspection, you sign the lease and set a move-in date. HRA processes payments to the landlord according to program rules; you pay any tenant portion required by your approval.

Where HomeRun fits

  1. You submit the tenant signup form with CityFHEPS selected.
  2. We match you to apartments that fit your approval and borough preferences.
  3. We coordinate inspection prep and HRA paperwork with the landlord.
  4. We support you through lease signing and program sign-off.

Get help renting with CityFHEPS

HomeRun is free for tenants. Start with the short signup form.

Start tenant signup

FAQ

Do I need HRA approval before I tour apartments?

You need an active CityFHEPS case and approval from HRA that matches the apartment you want — bedroom size, rent, and household members. Your caseworker can confirm what is on your approval before you apply to a specific unit.

Who inspects the apartment?

CityFHEPS units are inspected according to HRA program requirements before the lease can start. The landlord must fix any failed items and schedule a re-inspection if needed.

Can HomeRun talk to my caseworker?

Yes. Coordinating with your caseworker and HRA is a normal part of voucher lease-ups. Share accurate contact information on your signup form so we can keep paperwork moving.

What if I also qualify for other programs?

HomeRun works with Section 8, FHEPS, HASA, and other vouchers listed on our site. Use the tenant form and tell us which program is on your current approval.