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Recognizing housing scams

Applying for affordable housing is always free. Anyone who says otherwise is scamming you.

Affordable housing is scarce, and scammers know desperation makes people act fast. These are the patterns to watch for.

The golden rule: applying for affordable housing in New York City is always free. Anyone who asks you to pay to apply, to see a unit, to "reserve" a unit, or to move your application forward is scamming you.

Common scams

  • "Pay to apply." Fake listings or fake agents charge an "application fee," "processing fee," or "holding deposit" before you've even seen a lease. Real affordable-housing applications cost nothing.
  • "Guaranteed unit." Nobody can guarantee you a unit or move you up a list. Claims like "I work with the building" or "pay me and you're in" are fraud.
  • Wire transfers and gift cards. Any request to wire money, send gift cards, pay in crypto, or use a cash app for a deposit or fee is a scam. Full stop.
  • Fake listings with real photos. Scammers copy photos from real listings, post a too-good-to-be-true rent, and collect "deposits" from people who never see the inside. If the rent seems impossibly low and the "agent" can't show you the unit or meet you there, walk away.
  • Phishing for documents. Be careful where you upload ID, Social Security numbers, and bank statements. Use only the official application channel named in the real listing, never a link someone DMs you.
  • "Your voucher isn't accepted here." Source of income is a protected class in New York City and New York State. A landlord or agent who refuses your voucher may be breaking the law.

Protect yourself

  1. Verify the listing against the official source. Every ReRentalAlert listing links to one. If the details don't match, trust the official source.
  2. Meet at the unit, in daylight, with the agent's official contact info. Don't rent sight unseen.
  3. Never share full bank logins or wire money to someone you found through a listing.
  4. Check the agent. Marketing agents for affordable developments are named in the official postings. If the person contacting you isn't the named agent, be suspicious.
  5. Report it. In NYC, report housing scams to the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (nyc.gov/dcwp) or call 311. You can also report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-28. If a deal feels wrong, it probably is. Slow down and verify.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the golden rule of affordable housing applications?

Applying for affordable housing in New York City is always free. Anyone who asks you to pay to apply, to see a unit, to reserve a unit, or to move your application forward is scamming you.

What are the most common housing scams?

Pay-to-apply fees, guaranteed-unit claims, wire transfer or gift card requests, fake listings using stolen photos of real apartments, and phishing for your ID and bank documents.

How do I verify a listing is real?

Check it against the official source. Every ReRentalAlert listing links to one. Meet at the unit in daylight with the agent's official contact info, and never rent sight unseen.

Where do I report a housing scam in NYC?

The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (nyc.gov/dcwp), by calling 311, or the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

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