Unlocking Doors Pilot

“Unlocking Doors” is a new program that will invest up to $10 million to renovate distressed rent-stabilized homes and then connect New Yorkers experiencing homelessness with access to those homes. Through this pilot, the City will provide up to $25,000 for qualifying repairs for up to 400 rent-stabilized homes that are currently vacant and unavailable for rent. After the repairs are complete, HRA will then match the rehabilitated apartments with households with City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement (CityFHEPS) vouchers for use and distribute the reimbursement to the apartment’s owner. 

Eligibility    

Each Unit must be registered with DHCR as vacant in 2022 and 2023 and the legal rent of that specific unit must be below the threshold established in the CityFHEPS Rules and below:    

        (A) $1200 for a dwelling unit with up to one bedroom;  

        (B) $1300 for a dwelling unit with two bedrooms; and  

        (C) $1400 for a dwelling unit with three or more bedrooms.    

All work must be completed per CityFHEPS guidelines and requirements. Units will only be eligible to receive the funding associated with the program after the unit and building passes an inspection by HPD according to CityFHEPS requirements and a CityFHEPS voucher holder is offered a two-year lease.    

How to Apply    

Step 1 – Preliminary Eligibility Determination  

Please ensure the below documents are uploaded with initial submission for Preliminary Eligibility Determination  

• • HCR rent registration for prior two years indicating vacancy and most recent rent levels prior to vacancy 
  • Supplemental Application

Step 2 – Inspection and Work Verification Submission  

Applicants have up to 6 months from date of Preliminary Eligibility Determination to complete renovation and submit proof of cost. Please ensure the below documents are uploaded to ensure a complete application is submitted.  

• Unlocking Doors Cost Schedule (in excel only) 
• Owner’s Affidavit
• Proof of Completion
  • Certificate of Occupancy, 
  • DOB documentation of approval, or 
  • Architect’s/Engineer’s Affidavit 
• Detailed receipts/invoices from contractors and proof of payment. Each receipt should be labeled with the corresponding   Item # in the Cost Schedule. Application may be rejected or returned without Item #s labeled on the receipts/invoices.

All supporting documentation for Steps 1 and 2 must be submitted through the Unlocking Doors Application Portal 

Applications should be filed on an individual unit basis and will be considered for eligibility on a first come first served basis and approved after work verification and inspection. Only up to three units per building will be approved for the Unlocking Doors repair grant. The program will fund up to 400 units.  

Contact

Please email UnlockingDoors@hpd.nyc.gov