This can be different at your shelter. Check with your caseworker.
Your next steps
For: Lease
Some steps depend on who is in your household. Pick your household
Found a place? Tell your housing specialist or case manager.
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When you find a place, tell your housing specialist or case manager. They send your papers to DSS.
Source: nyc.
gov · Checked Oct 11, 2026 The lease must be for 12 months.
Source: nyc.
gov · Checked Oct 11, 2026 You can't move back into a home from the past year.
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You cannot move back into a home you lived in during the past year.
Source: nyc.
gov · Checked Oct 11, 2026 DSS checks that the rent is fair for the area.
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After your papers are in, DSS checks that the rent is fair for the area.
Source: nyc.
gov · Checked Oct 11, 2026 No side deals: no deposit or extra broker fees. Asked? Call 718‑557‑1399.
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No side deals. You do not pay a security deposit or extra broker fees. If anyone asks you for more money, tell your case manager or call 718‑557‑1399.
Source: nyc.
gov · Checked Oct 11, 2026 Your Approval Letter shows what you'll pay each month.
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Your Approval Letter shows what you will pay each month. That is the number that counts.
Source: nyc.
gov · Checked Oct 11, 2026 In NYC, trouble paying rent after you move? Call 311 for Homebase.
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In New York City: after you move, if you have trouble paying rent, call 311 and ask for Homebase.
Source: nyc.
gov · Checked Oct 11, 2026