CityFHEPS Rental Assistance in Queens, NY
CityFHEPS is NYC's rental supplement program for families at risk of homelessness. Landlords in Queens cannot legally refuse it — and Gadura Real Estate knows exactly which landlords cooperate.
What Is CityFHEPS?
CityFHEPS — City Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement — is administered by the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) through its Human Resources Administration (HRA). It was introduced in 2019 to consolidate several legacy NYC rental assistance programs (LINC, SEPS, CITYFEPS, and CityFEPS) into a single, unified voucher.
The program serves two main populations: (1) individuals and families currently in DHS or HRA shelters who are ready to move to permanent housing, and (2) individuals and families at risk of eviction or homelessness who are in prevention-track cases. Income limits are generally at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, though exact thresholds vary by case type.
Administered By
NYC DSS / HRA (Human Resources Administration). Not NYCHA. Different from Section 8.
Who Qualifies
Individuals/families in DHS/HRA shelter, or at risk of homelessness with income at or below 200% FPL.
What You Pay
Typically 30% of monthly income toward rent. HRA pays the remainder directly to the landlord.
Key Document
HRA CityFHEPS lease rider — attached to your standard lease, signed by tenant, landlord, and HRA.
CityFHEPS vs. Section 8 / HCV — Key Differences
| Feature | CityFHEPS | Section 8 / HCV |
|---|---|---|
| Administered by | NYC DSS / HRA | NYCHA (federally funded by HUD) |
| Primary population | Homeless / at-risk families | Low-income families broadly |
| Income eligibility | At or below 200% FPL | At or below 50% Area Median Income |
| Waitlist | No open waitlist — accessed through shelters or HRA prevention cases | NYCHA HCV waitlist (opens periodically) |
| Portability | NYC only | Nationwide after 12 months |
| Lease document | HRA CityFHEPS lease rider | NYCHA HAP contract |
CityFHEPS Payment Amounts in Queens (2024–2025)
CityFHEPS rent amounts are set by NYC DSS and updated periodically. Below are approximate 2024–2025 maximum rent amounts for Queens:
| Household Size / Voucher Type | Queens Max Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio (1 person) | ~$1,875/mo |
| 1 Bedroom | ~$2,100/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | ~$2,487/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | ~$3,063/mo |
| 4 Bedrooms | ~$3,450/mo |
Amounts are approximate and subject to NYC DSS revision. Always verify current CityFHEPS rent amounts with your HRA caseworker or at nyc.gov/dss before beginning your unit search.
How Gadura Real Estate Helps CityFHEPS Holders
Finding a landlord willing to participate in the CityFHEPS process — including signing the HRA lease rider and cooperating with any required unit inspections — is the primary challenge CityFHEPS holders face. Gadura Real Estate removes that barrier.
- Identify landlords familiar with CityFHEPS. We maintain relationships with Queens landlords who have completed the HRA landlord registration process and understand the lease rider. This dramatically shortens your search time.
- Verify your voucher parameters. We review your CityFHEPS voucher with you — bedroom size, maximum rent, and any special conditions — before beginning the unit search so we only show you units that qualify.
- Negotiate with landlords on your behalf. Some landlords are unfamiliar with CityFHEPS but willing to learn. We explain the program — including HRA's direct payment guarantee — to encourage participation.
- Coordinate the lease rider process. The HRA CityFHEPS lease rider involves coordination between you, your landlord, and HRA. We facilitate the paperwork to prevent delays.
- Assert your legal rights. If any landlord refuses your voucher, we document it and can refer you to civil rights counsel. NYC law is unequivocal: CityFHEPS is a lawful source of income and refusal is illegal discrimination.
- Move-in support. We accompany you through the lease signing to ensure every document is correct and your rights are protected.
Your Legal Protections
Queens Neighborhoods Where We Place CityFHEPS Clients
How to Apply for CityFHEPS
CityFHEPS is not applied for directly like a traditional housing program. Access depends on your situation:
- Currently in a DHS or HRA shelter: Speak with your shelter case manager about CityFHEPS eligibility. You may be referred directly.
- At risk of eviction or homelessness: Contact HRA's Infoline at 718-557-1399 or visit an HRA Job Center near you. Ask about the CityFHEPS Eviction Prevention Program.
- Income-eligible families: Contact NYC DSS at nyc.gov/dss or call 718-557-1399 to inquire about current eligibility requirements and how to open a prevention case.
Once you have a CityFHEPS voucher in hand, contact Gadura Real Estate at (917) 705-0132 so we can begin searching for qualifying units immediately — your voucher has a limited window.
Have a CityFHEPS Voucher? Let's Find Your Queens Home.
Free consultation. We know the Queens landlords who participate in CityFHEPS. No pressure.
Call (917) 705-0132 Request a ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
What is CityFHEPS and how does it work in Queens, NY?
CityFHEPS is NYC DSS/HRA's rental supplement for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It subsidizes rent in the private market — you pay roughly 30% of income and HRA pays the rest directly to your landlord via a CityFHEPS lease rider. It is separate from the Section 8 / NYCHA Housing Choice Voucher program.
Can a landlord refuse CityFHEPS in Queens?
No. NYC Admin Code §8-107 makes lawful source of income a protected class. CityFHEPS is a lawful source of income. Refusal is illegal discrimination with penalties up to $250,000. File complaints with the NYC Commission on Human Rights at 212-416-0197.
How much is a CityFHEPS voucher worth in Queens, NY?
For 2024–2025, approximate Queens maximums are: Studio ~$1,875 / 1 BR ~$2,100 / 2 BR ~$2,487 / 3 BR ~$3,063 / 4 BR ~$3,450. Your share is typically 30% of monthly income. Always confirm current amounts with your HRA caseworker.
How do I apply for CityFHEPS in Queens?
If you are in a DHS or HRA shelter, speak with your case manager. If you are at risk of eviction, contact HRA's Infoline at 718-557-1399 or visit nyc.gov/dss to open a prevention case. Once you have a voucher, call Gadura Real Estate at (917) 705-0132 immediately to begin your unit search.
What is the CityFHEPS lease rider?
The HRA CityFHEPS lease rider is a document attached to your standard lease that sets the terms of the rental subsidy — the HRA payment amount, landlord participation terms, and payment conditions. It must be signed by the tenant, the landlord, and HRA. Gadura Real Estate coordinates this paperwork process.
Can CityFHEPS be used to rent a house in Queens, not just an apartment?
Yes. CityFHEPS works for any private-market rental — apartment, floor of a house, or a standalone rental home — as long as it meets habitability standards and the rent falls within program limits. Gadura Real Estate has placed CityFHEPS clients in houses in Ozone Park and Richmond Hill.
Related Resources
- Section 8 / HCV vouchers in Queens, NY
- Guide for landlords accepting CityFHEPS in Queens
- Our Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity Commitment
- Buy a home in Queens with Gadura Real Estate
- Contact our Queens office
Gadura Real Estate, LLC · NYS Firm Broker License #10991238487 · Supervising Broker: Vinod K. Gadura · 106-09 101st Ave, Ozone Park, NY 11416 · (917) 705-0132. This page is informational only and does not constitute legal or benefits advice. CityFHEPS payment amounts are approximate and subject to NYC DSS revision; verify current amounts at nyc.gov/dss or with your HRA caseworker. For legal advice, consult a licensed New York attorney. Equal Housing Opportunity. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected class under the Fair Housing Act, NY Human Rights Law §296, or NYC Administrative Code §8-107.