Our mission is to track and enforce municipally mandated affordable units in order to preserve existing units and effectively create new affordable units; and to study and recommend housing policy to ensure a holistic approach to meet the ongoing and future needs for all Jersey City residents.

The Division of Affordable Housing (DOAH) was created in October of 2019 as an administrative body solely dedicated to enforcing affordable housing requirements for new private development. Private developers seeking to build in redevelopment zones or with zoning variances must work with DOAH to create affordable units for the public.

Please note: The Division of Affordable Housing does not place tenants into units. If you are a prospective tenant looking for housing, we are happy to provide housing resources online to aid you in your search. We will not be able to accept applications or provide housing directly.

Developer resources can be found here. Tenant housing resources can be found below.

How Do I Get Affordable Housing? 

Applicants apply directly to developments that are advertising affordable housing units. Applicants are chosen through a lottery system - each affordable housing development has its own lottery system. Please note: The City of Jersey City does not have a public lottery for affordable housing. Applicants must meet income and tenant requirements before being considered, known as "pre-screening." Lottery winners will be contacted by the development.

Where Can I Find Affordable Housing? 

Our Housing Resources page has links and information on where to find affordable housing. Please note: The Division of Affordable Housing does not place residents into affordable units. We do not take applications. The Division of Affordable Housing works with the developers who are building affordable housing units.

What is Affordable Housing?

Affordable housing units in Jersey City are restricted to occupancy by households with a total combined income under 80% of the median income level for Hudson County, as determined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. These affordable units are newly constructed apartments that are legally restricted for low-and-moderate incomes. 

What are Affordable Housing Income Limits?

Affordable housing income brackets are calculated relative to the Area Median Income (AMI) for Hudson County. This median income is used to categorize lower incomes into income brackets. The AMI in Hudson County for 1 person is $72,846 per year.  See the 2021 Affordable Housing Regional Income Limits by Household Size for limits by household size. 

Income Level Definitions: 

Very Low Income: Up to 30% of the AMI
Low Income: Up to 50% of the AMI
Moderate Low Income: Between 50% - 80% of the AMI
Workforce: Between 80% - 120% of the AMI