How to Schedule a NYCHA Apartment Appointment Online

NYCHA appointments are scheduled through the Housing Connect portal, not by phone or in person

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) uses an online system called Housing Connect to book appointments for lease signings, move-ins, recertifications, and other housing matters. You cannot walk in or call a phone number to schedule most appointments — the portal is the main way NYCHA manages its calendar.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have your NYCHA case number and a valid email address. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment date, time, and location, and NYCHA will send you a reminder a few days before.

If you do not have internet access at home, you can use a computer at a public library, a NYCHA community center, or a family services office. Some NYCHA developments also have computer access available — call your development office to ask.

Key Takeaways

• Housing Connect is the official NYCHA portal where you schedule most appointments; you will need your NYCHA case number and an email address to log in.
• You can book appointments for lease signings, recertifications, move-ins, and other housing services through the portal without calling or visiting an office.
• If you do not have internet at home, public libraries, NYCHA community centers, and some development offices have computers you can use.
• NYCHA will send you a confirmation email and a reminder before your appointment; save both in case you need to reschedule.
• If the appointment type you need is not available online, call your development office or the NYCHA Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 to ask about other options.

How to log into Housing Connect and find your appointment type

Go to housingconnect.nyc.gov and click "Sign In" in the top right corner. You will see two options: sign in with your NYCHA account or create a new account. If you already have a Housing Connect account from a previous appointment or application, use those login details.

If you do not have an account, click "Create Account" and enter your name, email address, and a password. NYCHA will send you a verification email — open it and click the link to confirm your email address. Then log back into Housing Connect.

Once you are logged in, look for "Schedule an Appointment" or a similar button on the dashboard. The exact wording changes, but it will be near the top of the page. Click it, and you will see a list of appointment types available at your development or office. Common ones include lease signing, recertification interview, move-in inspection, and rent adjustment review.

Select the appointment type you need. If you do not see the type you are looking for, note it down — you will need to call your development office instead, because not all services are available through the portal yet.

Entering your information and choosing a date and time

After you select your appointment type, Housing Connect will ask you to confirm your NYCHA case number and your development name. Make sure both are correct before moving forward. If your case number is wrong, the system will not show you available times.

Next, you will see a calendar with available dates highlighted. Click on a date that works for you. The system will then show you the available time slots for that day — these are usually in two-hour windows (for example, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.). Choose the time slot that fits your schedule.

Some appointment types require you to upload documents before you book — for example, a recertification appointment may ask you to upload recent pay stubs or a lease. If the system asks for documents, have them ready as a PDF or image file on your computer. You can usually upload them right away or bring them on the day of your appointment.

What happens after you book and how to reschedule

After you confirm your appointment, Housing Connect will show you a confirmation number on the screen. Write this number down or take a screenshot — you will need it if you have to reschedule or if NYCHA asks about your appointment.

NYCHA will send you a confirmation email to the address you used to create your account. Check your spam folder if you do not see it within a few minutes. The email will include your appointment date, time, location, and confirmation number. A few days before your appointment, you will receive a reminder email.

If you need to reschedule, log back into Housing Connect, find your appointment in your account, and look for a "Reschedule" or "Cancel" button. If you cancel, you can immediately book a new time slot. If the reschedule button is not there, call your development office or the NYCHA Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 to ask them to change it for you.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, NYCHA may close your case or delay processing your request. If this happens, contact your development office right away to reschedule.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring a photo ID and your confirmation email or confirmation number. If your appointment is a recertification interview, bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the last year, and proof of any other income or benefits you receive. If it is a lease signing, bring your ID and any documents NYCHA asked you to upload.

If you are unsure what documents you need, call your development office a day or two before your appointment and ask. They can tell you exactly what to bring so you do not have to come back.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. NYCHA offices are usually busy, and arriving early gives you time to check in and find the right room.

If you cannot use Housing Connect or need help

If you do not have an email address, you can create one for free through Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook. You only need a working email to set up a Housing Connect account — you do not need to provide a phone number or pay anything.

If you have trouble logging in, resetting your password, or finding your appointment type, call the NYCHA Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771. They are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Have your case number ready when you call. If you reach a voicemail, leave your name, case number, and a brief description of what you need, and someone will call you back within one business day.

You can also visit your development office in person and ask staff to help you schedule an appointment on a computer there. Some developments have dedicated computer stations for this purpose, and staff can walk you through the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule an appointment by phone instead of online?

Most appointment types must be scheduled through Housing Connect. However, if the appointment type you need is not available online, or if you cannot access the internet, call your development office or the NYCHA Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 to ask if they can schedule it over the phone or in person.

What if I do not have a NYCHA case number?

You will need your case number to schedule an appointment. If you do not have it, check any letters NYCHA has sent you — the case number is usually at the top. If you cannot find it, call your development office and give them your name and address, and they will provide it.

How far in advance can I book an appointment?

This varies by appointment type and by development. Some appointments can be booked several weeks ahead, while others may only show availability for the next two to three weeks. Housing Connect will show you only the dates that are currently open.

What if I miss my appointment?

Contact your development office or call 718-707-7771 as soon as possible. Missing an appointment without canceling can delay your case or result in it being closed. Explain what happened and ask to reschedule right away.

Is Housing Connect the same as the NYCHA online portal for paying rent?

No. Housing Connect is for scheduling appointments. To pay rent online, you use a different system called the NYCHA Resident Portal or you can set up automatic payments through your bank. Ask your development office which payment method works for your account.