Rescheduling Affordable Housing Lottery Interview? (New York, York: low income, apartment, income)

[vespanyc]

Hi all


I have an interview coming up for an affordable housing development but I don't think I will be able to get all the documentation they need in time. Has anyone here ever rescheduled an interview? Will it negatively affect my chances of getting an apartment (like, first come first served)?? I don't want to take any chances but it's taking longer than I thought to get a copy of my W2 and old paystubs from my payroll processor. Thanks

[Moving415]

You can reschedule an interview--not a big deal. Your letter should state that, and give you a number to call. You can't reschedule more than twice, though. It will have no affect on your application. It's better to go in with all of your documents. It's not first come, first serve--this is an extremely complicated, slow-moving process, and it has to do with who's qualified not who gets there first.

[wiivile]

Yes, they are designed to be extremely flexible for all types of New Yorkers and their schedules. Think about the types of people who these lotteries are meant for- usually very low income, hourly wage workers who don't get much "flexibility" to take time off work. Many are disabled. Because of this, it won't be a problem to get your interview rescheduled, at least the first time.

Regarding affecting your chances, while the formal answer is "no, it won't affect your chances", the reality is these marketing agents are far from perfect and there is always a chance that your income bracket could be filled by people who they contact later (or at the same time) who interviewed first. Or, for example, if you qualify for a studio and a one bedroom, that all the one bedrooms will get taken by people who interview first. But if you need to reschedule, you need to reschedule.