New Jersey Opens Affordable Housing Lottery for 96 Townhomes – Rent Starts at $791

Good news for anyone hunting affordable rent in the Garden State: a fresh lottery just launched, covering 96 newly built townhomes across Monmouth County. The rent? As low as $791 a month, which, let’s be honest, feels almost too good to be true.

These homes aren’t just cheap; they’re brand‑new, energy‑efficient units built by a partnership of the state’s Housing Development Authority and a private developer. Each unit features two‑bedroom layouts, modern appliances, and a little bit of green space for pets or weekend BBQs.

But—yes, there’s always a but—getting a spot isn’t automatic. You have to enter the lottery, and that means meeting the eligibility rules. First off, you need to be a New Jersey resident with household income at or below 60 % of the area median income (AMI). In plain English, that usually translates to about $70,000 for a family of four, give or take.

Households must also have fewer than five members, and you can’t own any other residential property anywhere in the country. The program is aimed at families, seniors, and individuals who have been on waiting lists for affordable housing for a while.

Applying is straightforward, albeit a little paperwork‑heavy. You’ll need to fill out an online application through the NJ Housing Development Authority portal, upload proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, you know the drill), and provide identification documents. The deadline for this round is midnight on June 30, 2026, so don’t wait until the last minute.

After the application window closes, the lottery will be drawn in early July. Winners will be notified by email and given a short window—about two weeks—to sign a lease and move in. If you’re not selected, don’t lose heart; you stay on the waiting list for the next round, and the authority runs these lotteries on a rolling basis.

Need help? The NJ Housing Development Authority has a helpline (800‑555‑1234) and a dedicated email (affordablehousing@njhda.gov). They’re happy to walk you through the process, answer questions, and even double‑check that you’ve submitted everything correctly.