CityFHEPS 3-Bedroom Voucher Reality Check — Is Demand Really There?

[Isadore Nelson]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently looking to rent out a newly furnished 3-bedroom unit in East New York, Brooklyn, on a quiet block. The place is newly renovated, clean, spacious, and fully ready to go — but it’s been sitting for three weeks with no bites. We’re working with a broker who's familiar with CityFHEPS, and they assure us that everything is in order — an agent from the program has already visited and unit is registered.

Still… crickets.

Naturally, I’m wondering — is this normal for a CityFHEPS 3-bedroom unit? I know there’s always a shortage of affordable housing, but I’m starting to question the actual demand for 3BRs under CityFHEPS versus, say, 2BRs.

A few thoughts/questions I’d love insight on:

• Is three weeks with no applications typical?

• Have other landlords seen faster lease-ups with 2-bedroom units under CityFHEPS?

• Could the larger unit size be limiting us since fewer voucher holders qualify for 3BRs?

• Any alternative programs (FHEPS, Section 8, etc.) worth exploring that may move faster or allow cross-listing?

• Should I consider splitting the unit if demand for large family housing is just too thin?

This is my first time working with this program on a 3-bedroom, so I’d appreciate hearing from anyone who's done this before — especially if you’ve had success (or not) with brokers or agents who work CityFHEPS placements. Would love a recommendation if someone’s out there really moving units.

I’m open to ideas. Best-case scenario, this tenant shows up next week — but in the meantime, I’m trying to figure out whether I’m just waiting out normal delays, or if it’s time to pivot strategies.

Appreciate any advice from the BiggerPockets community.

Best,

Izzy