Switching apartments within building (rent, transfer, tenants)

[Izhale]

Hi all, Does anyone know if you live in an affordable housing apartment, and another unit in the same building becomes available (that’s perhaps larger or preferable), if you would be able to switch? Does living in the building give you priority, or does it only go through the re-rental process? Thanks!

[dime99]

It's different for every building depending on management. HPD lets you switch same-sized units, but it's up to management to actually do all the paperwork. Some management just won't do it, while others do it. So you won't know until you ask.

Not sure about changing from 1 bedroom to 2 bedroom unit.

[Mevie123]

Originally Posted by dime99

It's different for every building depending on management. HPD lets you switch same-sized units, but it's up to management to actually do all the paperwork. Some management just won't do it, while others do it. So you won't know until you ask.

Not sure about changing from 1 bedroom to 2 bedroom unit.

Do you know about downsizing? Like from a 2 bedroom to a 1 bedroom unit?

[7continents]

1. The churn on these apartments is very low. The ones that do churn are because of horrible neighbors or lousy service, both of which would sour your request.
2. It seems you can't switch apartment sizes because the income and residency requirements change, forcing you to requalify; there probably already being a wait list of people already semi qualified.
3. For same size apartments see item 1.
4. Apply to other lotteries you qualify for. Just don't rely on them for a move when it's convenient for you.

If you have a special circumstance, make friends with someone in management and take it up with them.

[Vanta B]

It depends on the building. It can’t hurt to ask. People leave lottery apartments all the time for a myriad of reasons…they want a kid, they break up and it’s too expensive, they need more space or they’re leaving the city.

[Vanta B]

Always ask. There is no harm in asking!

[linamonroll]

Always ask! If you are requesting to change size units, yes you will have to re-qualify (income and household size). However, many buildings would prefer to go through that process to keep a tenant they know and like vs losing you and having to go through the process twice (to fill your unit and the available bigger unit) with unknown newbies if you leave due to not being able to transfer. Some buildings don't have an internal process for this but many do.

[marni1025]

As some have mentioned, I think it depends on the building. I asked about this when I was selected for an apartment and didn't like the size, or the view-the apartment was very dark with little sunlight and lacked closet space. Management said yes a transfer can be requested after two years because they want to see that tenants can pay the rent on time and be responsible.