Frequently
Asked Questions

• Studio - $2,990 - $3,190
• One-Bedroom - $3,190 - $3,490
• Two-Bedroom - $4,434
• Three-Bedroom - $5,114

The apartments available through the lottery are rent stabilized.

• Residents with a rent-stabilized lease are protected from free-market increases in rent and have the right to renew their leases at the end of each lease term.
• The NYC Rent Guidelines Board determines the percentage of allowable rental increases on an annual basis. Over the last five years, percentage increases have ranged between 0-3.25% on a one-year lease renewal and 1-5% on a two-year lease renewal.

• No. Rent prices are not negotiable.
• Rents are not adjusted based on individual household income.

• Residents are responsible for household electricity, which includes electric heat, hot water and electric stove.
• Residents are also responsible for air conditioning and additional services such as internet or cable.

• 1 month free on a 1 or 2 year lease*
• 50% off amenities fees during 1st lease year*
• $1000 off security deposit regardless of the unit size*

*Some restrictions apply

Below are the average square footages for each apartment (square footage varies by individual apartment)

• Studio - 472 Sq. Ft.
• One-Bedroom - 673 Sq. Ft.
• Two-Bedroom - 911 Sq. Ft.
• Three-Bedroom - 1,291 Sq. Ft.

Yes, they have the same finishes and similar layouts to the market rate apartments.

Unlike the discount rate apartments, the prices for market rate apartments in Lumen vary from unit to unit. Prices for market rate apartments are generally higher. If you would like more information please get in touch with us and we will connect you with the market rate leasing team.

• Yes. Opportunities for building and unit tours will be available to those who can provide proof of application submission from Housing Connect throughout the eligibility review stage.
• Contact [email protected] regarding information for building and unit tours for the Lumen Lottery.
• Please do not contact or visit the on-site leasing team, as they will only have information about non-lottery apartments. Use the contact listed above for the most accurate and up-to-date lottery information.

Estimated occupancy for Lumen will begin in March of 2025. This is subject to change.

The lottery closes 12/30/2024.

Eligibility is based on income and household size for each individual unit type, listed below:

Please check with [email protected].

No. Income requirements are set by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and are not flexible.

If you can prove that your bonus is one time-only (not recurring), your lower (or recurring) income may be taken into consideration.

No, if you are an independent contractor and/or run your own business your eligibility is based on your net income after expenses.

The current asset limit is set at $201,890 for each household.

Savings in any bank accounts, investment income, sales of property that have been converted to cash. Retirement savings are NOT included in your asset total.

Yes, you can apply at https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/.

Anyone owning a home within 100 miles of New York City is not eligible for an apartment available through the housing lottery.

Eligibility for each unit type is based on income qualification and household size. See the chart below for reference.

• There is a possibility you could qualify for multiple unit types, based on income and household size. You will be able to specify your specific preferences if you are selected in the lottery and your documents are requested.
• Your preference will be noted, but unit assignment will be based on availability at the time of your document submission request and income qualifications for each unit type.

Yes. See the chart below for reference.

Please refer to your case manager to determine your eligibility for Lumen. The payment standard listed on your shopping letter, minus the appropriate utility allowance must be equal to or below the asking rent for the specific unit type.

• Please review the payment standards for the unit size you are eligible for and with your case manager to see if you qualify.
• Note: Possessing a voucher does not guarantee you an apartment in Lumen. You must apply to the lottery and your application must be selected and approved by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the agency administering the disbursement of your voucher benefits.

The earliest estimated move-in date is March 2025. Please be patient as processing applications takes some time. This date is subject to change.

We will contact all applicants after the lottery application period closes to let you know your log number and give you an approximate timeline for further contact.

Lumen is a brand-new full service building and we expect to receive thousands of applications. Your chances are as good as any other applicant. Application numbers are assigned at random.

Log into your account on Housing Connect. Click on “Dashboard” at the top of the page and under “My Applications Summary” the project Lumen will be listed below with the status of “Applied” to the right of the project name.

Yes. Opportunities for building and unit tours will be available to those who can provide proof of application submission from Housing Connect prior to the application period close and throughout the eligibility review stage.

• Yes, you can change your profile even after the lottery deadline. Log into Housing Connect and edit your profile as desired.
• Any updates made to your profile prior to being contacted to submit documentation will be visible to the project manager.

Call the HPD helpline at 212-863-7990 or email at [email protected].

The process after document submission could take approximately 1-2 months. It depends on several factors such as Log Number, organized and complete document submission and legibility of documents.

• Your Log Number is randomly assigned by Housing Connect after the application period closes. As long as you have applied by the deadline, your application will receive a Log Number. Random assignment means that your specific Log Number does not reflect when you applied.
• Your Log Number determines your place in line for an apartment. Applications are reviewed in order of Log Number from lowest to highest. For example, Log #1 will be the first application reviewed. If your application appears eligible you will be asked to submit documents to confirm the information. If you have Log #800 then there are 799 applications ahead in line for an apartment.

No. Once you are assigned a Log Number it cannot be changed.

No. It may take us longer to reach out to you but many of the applicants in front of you in line may not be eligible for their desired apartments.

Depending on your Log Number you will either have to wait until the applicants ahead of you are processed or (when it’s your turn) a project manager will contact you through Housing Connect and ask you to provide documentation to confirm your eligibility.

• No. A request for documentation does not guarantee an apartment.
• When you receive a request for documentation it means that the project manager has reached your Log Number and based on the income entered on your application you appear eligible for an available unit.
• Your household will still have to prove eligibility, and be approved by HPD.
• Keep in mind that there may still be other applicants ahead of you in line.

You will be asked to submit proof of income and household member verification documents. Below are some of the documents that you should prepare to submit for yourself and household members:

• Government Issued Photo ID
• Social Security Numbers (All Household Members)
• Children’s Birth Certificates (If Applicable)
• 6 Most Recent Pay-Stubs
• Most Recent Tax Returns (All Adult Household Members)
• Most Recent W2s (All Adult Household Members)
• 6 Most Recent Checking Account Statements
• 1 Most Recent Savings Account Statement
• 1 Most Recent Statements from any investment accounts or annuities
• Copy of current lease agreement
• Recent Utility Bills (Electricity Gas or Phone)
• Employment Verification Letter (If Applicable)
• Statement of unemployment earnings (If Applicable)
• Proof of Rental Voucher (If applicable)

See full list of HPD required documents here: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hpd/services-and-information/attachment-h-1c-required-documents.page

Prior to submitting your documents it is advisable for you to review your current lease and the clauses related to early termination as the timing of the process can be somewhat unpredictable.

• The recommended and preferred method of document submission is online through Housing Connect.
• If you need to submit documents in person you can do so by requesting and scheduling an appointment through Housing Connect.

• Your documents will be reviewed by a project manager who will confirm what unit type you are eligible for and notify you of unit availability.
• After your household’s eligibility is confirmed, you will be invited to view available/eligible units to choose from.

We recommend that you contact Housing Connect directly. For further technical issues we recommend calling their helpline at 212-863-7990. You can also reach them by email at [email protected]. If your problem persists please contact the Lumen Project Manager at [email protected] about submitting documentation through another method.

• A project manager will review the documents submitted. If there is anything missing or additional info is required you will be contacted and asked to provide the specific information within 5 business days in order to complete the eligibility review.
• Eligibility review takes between 1-3 weeks after initial document submission.
• Once the review is complete a project manager will notify you of your Eligibility or Ineligibility for Lumen.

If your project manager has confirmed your household’s eligibility, you will be invited to tour available apartments. Up to 3 apartments will be presented to choose from. The apartment choices will be assigned by your project manager based on your preferences and current availability.

After you are shown the available apartments, you will have 5 business days to confirm your interest. If you choose to forfeit your application or do not contact your project manager by the deadline you will be removed from the list and the apartment will be offered to the next applicant in the Log.

• If you want to move forward with an apartment at Lumen, the project manager will confirm your unit preference and have you sign Tenant Income Certification documents. A background check will be conducted for all adult household members and options for a credit check will be presented to choose from.
• If everything checks out, your case manager will submit your documents to the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and request final approval.

It will take between 5 and 15 business days.

Once approved by HPD your project manager will notify you of when you receive an approval notice from your project manager and HPD your household can now enter into a lease agreement.

• Once your application is approved by HPD you will have 30 calendar days to enter into a new lease at Lumen.
• Lease start dates can start anytime of the month. A prorated amount of rent will apply if your lease start does not fall on the 1st of the month.

You will have the choice between a 1 or 2 year initial lease term.

One Month's rent and Security Deposit (Equal to 1 month's rent minus the $1000 concession) will be due at the time of lease signing

• Yes. Leases signed through the Lumen housing lottery are stabilized.
• Residents with a rent stabilized lease are protected from free market increases in rent and have the right to renew their leases at the end of each lease term.
• The NYC Rent Guidelines Board vote on the percentage of allowable rental increases on an annual basis.
• Your lease will remain stabilized for a 35 year period from the building’s completion date.

If you are already living at Lumen but are then contacted for the lottery, your current lease terms will be applicable and you will be liable for any lease-break penalties.

• Minutes from subways for easy access to Manhattan, Brooklyn and Long Island.
• Generous amenities package.
• Modern upscale finishes and appliances. Brand new building.

Hill West Architects

Yes. All the finishes are of similar and equal quality throughout the building.

Pets under 75lb allowed. No deposit or fee is required.

• Yes, garage parking is available.
• Additional fees apply.

Washer / Dryers are available in each Apartment. Additionally the shared laundry room features oversized machines for larger loads - some fees apply

• Yes.
• Fees for bike storage are TBD.

Yes

*Fees for storage are TBD

Conversions are not allowed at Lumen.

Yes.

• Residents are responsible for household electricity, which includes electric heat, hot water and electric stove.
• Residents are also responsible for air conditioning and additional services such as internet or cable.

No.

Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Please contact [email protected] for more information.

• Queensboro Plaza
• Court Sq-23 EM
• Court Sq 7
• Court Sq G
• Queens Plaza EMR

• Gantry Plaza State Park
• Hunter's Point South Park

• MoMA PS1
• Museum of the Moving Image
• SculptureCenter
• Pepsi Cola Sign
• Culture Lab LIC
• The Local Gallery
• Loch Gallery at Fryeworks