Frequently Asked Questions
How will rent be determined? Will my rent increase? You'll pay 30% of your adjusted gross household income as your "tenant portion." NYCHA covers the rest (called the HAP/subsidy). If your rent would increase by more than $25/month or 10% of your current rent, you may qualify for a gradual 5-year phase-in.
Who do I pay rent to now? You pay your tenant portion directly to Cornell Pace Inc. (your new property manager) — not NYCHA. You can pay via RentCafe.com.
What if my income or household changes? Report any changes within 30 days by submitting an interim recertification through NYCHA's Self-Service Portal (selfserve.nycha.info) or by calling 718-707-7771.
What if I need to add people or pets to my lease? To add a household member, submit an interim recertification request via the Self-Service Portal or call the Customer Contact Center. To register a pet, visit the Cornell Pace Inc. management office.
Will I need to move during construction? Usually no — renovations happen while you stay in your home. If a temporary move is needed due to the severity of repairs or health concerns, you have the right to return to your original apartment once work is complete.
Will I be required to move to a larger or smaller apartment? Possibly. NYCHA will determine if your household is overcrowded or over-housed. If so, you'll need to move to an appropriately sized unit when one becomes available. Failing to do so could result in loss of your Section 8 subsidy.
What are Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections? NYCHA will periodically inspect your unit to ensure it meets federal safety and cleanliness standards. You must be home (with someone 18+) and allow access. Tenant-caused damage — like dead smoke detector batteries, blocked fire escapes, or double-cylinder locks — can result in subsidy termination.
What are my rights as a PACT resident? Your core rights are preserved: you keep your rent at 30% of income, your lease auto-renews annually, you can add family members, you retain grievance hearing rights, and you can organize through your resident association.
Can I move out of the development? Yes. After one year under PACT, you can request a Choice Mobility Voucher to move to a private rental unit in or outside NYC. To move outside NYC entirely, you can "port out" your Section 8 voucher to another housing agency — request this through the Self-Service Portal.
What if I face domestic violence or a disability-related need? You can request an emergency transfer at any time. VAWA protections apply — you cannot be evicted simply for being a victim. For disability accommodations (e.g., larger unit, alternative communication), submit a request with medical documentation through the Self-Service Portal, a Walk-In Center, or by phone.
Are there job or savings opportunities through PACT? Yes. The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program builds a savings account that grows as your income increases — graduates have used funds for home down payments, education, and businesses. PACT also requires that jobs generated by the conversion be offered to residents through the federal Section 3 program. Contact REES at 718-289-8100 or nychafss@nycha.nyc.gov.
How do I complete my annual recertification? Online at selfserve.nycha.info. You'll need an Affidavit of Income for every household member and a Third-Party Verification form for all members 18+, plus supporting documents (pay stubs, bank statements, etc.).