I'm having trouble finding an apartment that accepts the SEPS program (low income, rental) - New York City - New York (NY) - City-Data Forum

TrishfromNYC · 07-08-2017, 09:30 AM

Hello,
I'm brand new and joined on the advice of a friend.
I currently reside in Astoria in an apartment I've occupied for 15 years. Unfortunately, it's a private home, not rent stabilized, so my landlord is raising my rent.

I'm on Social Security Disabilty and receive SEPS, a new program in NYC that helps low income NYers pay their rent. (SEPS)

I've signed up for every singe housing lottery and have had a few interviews but have been waitlisted on all of them.

I'm currently in search of a studio apartment anywhere in the 5 boroughs. My budget is $1200 (firm). I know that budget is tight and will most likely be in the Bronx but I'm not choosy.

The rental assistance from the SEPS program is much easier for landlords than Sec. 8. The only requirements of the program for landlords is that heat and hot water are included in the rent, a lease be issued and the apartment be legal.

I've been looking for 6 months for an apartment and am at a loss. Has anyone had experience with SEPSs apartment hunting?

Basically I'm out of ideas on how to find an apartment. As I said, I've signed up for housing lotteries and applied to Mitchell-Lama and public housing.I'm also looking for a realtor who will work with me even though I have SEPS. A lot of realtors have turned me away. I've placed ads on Craigslist and searched Zillow and RentHop from top to bottom.

Does anyone have ideas, suggestions, experiences to share?

NYC refugee · 07-08-2017, 10:15 AM

Is there a community center near you where there might be a social worker who could hook you up with some resources? Or you can try calling 311 and asking how to find an apt that will accept the program, especially since it's new.

TrishfromNYC · 07-09-2017, 03:26 PM

I have an open case with Human Resources Administration. (HRA) and an assigned social worker who's been useless in helping me.

jayden22 · 07-09-2017, 04:38 PM

I hope you find something!

Shoshanarose · 07-09-2017, 04:43 PM

By the way, you can find a studio in parts of Brooklyn (and probably Queens) for $1200 as well.

Isn't it illegal for a landlord to refuse to take certain programs?
I thought it was illegal for landlords to discriminate based on how a tenant is paying the rent.

TrishfromNYC · 07-09-2017, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shoshanarose

By the way, you can find a studio in parts of Brooklyn (and probably Queens) for $1200 as well.

Isn't it illegal for a landlord to refuse to take certain programs?
I thought it was illegal for landlords to discriminate based on how a tenant is paying the rent.

I'm not sure. I've never investgated that. Most of my life I've rented legal and illegal basements. Living in an apartment building is new to me.
I'll ask my Legal Aide lawyer.

Shoshanarose · 07-09-2017, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrishfromNYC

I'm not sure. I've never investgated that. Most of my life I've rented legal and illegal basements. Living in an apartment building is new to me.
I'll ask my Legal Aide lawyer.

Definitely ask your lawyer.
I think it's illegal for a landlord to "not take a program."

iammax · 07-09-2017, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shoshanarose

Definitely ask your lawyer.
I think it's illegal for a landlord to "not take a program."

It is illegal, but most landlords do it anyway and nobody can stop them.

NyWriterdude · 07-09-2017, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shoshanarose

By the way, you can find a studio in parts of Brooklyn (and probably Queens) for $1200 as well.

Isn't it illegal for a landlord to refuse to take certain programs?
I thought it was illegal for landlords to discriminate based on how a tenant is paying the rent.

It's definitely illegal. Of course that doesn't stop landlords from doing it. But tenants can sue the landlord if they reject them solely because their income is from a program.

Shoshanarose · 07-09-2017, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NyWriterdude

It's definitely illegal. Of course that doesn't stop landlords from doing it. But tenants can sue the landlord if they reject them solely because their income is from a program.

Since the OP has a lawyer, she is in a good position to sue or threaten to sue if a landlord won't accept her program.