Real Estate Agents, Brokers, and Landlords

Real estate agents, brokers, and landlords play a vital national role in helping veterans secure safe, stable, and affordable housing. For many veterans—especially those navigating homelessness, transitional programs, low-income barriers, or complex documentation requirements—the housing search can be overwhelming. As highlighted throughout The Forgotten Veteran Resource Guide, one of the greatest challenges veterans face is connecting with housing professionals who understand their unique circumstances, the timelines involved with vouchers, and the federal, state, and city programs that support veteran housing stability.


Nationally, veteran-friendly real estate agents and brokers serve as essential advocates in the housing process. They help veterans identify suitable apartments or homes, navigate competitive markets, gather required documents, and communicate effectively with property managers. Their understanding of programs such as HUD-VASH, SSVF, VA home loans, and city-based rental vouchers ensures that veterans are not overlooked or denied opportunities due to misunderstandings or stigma. Landlords who partner with veteran programs become key allies by offering fair screenings, flexible communication, and a willingness to work with case managers and supportive service agencies.


When these housing professionals are engaged, informed, and supportive, veterans experience faster placements, fewer denials, and greater long-term housing success. Their participation is not just important—it is transformative in the journey from homelessness to stability and home.


Real Estate Quick Links


Listings for Veterans Organizations

Veteran organizations play a vital role in connecting service members to the benefits, programs, and community support they have earned. This section provides direct access to trusted national, state, and local organizations offering assistance with healthcare, housing, employment, education, legal services, and emergency support. Not seeing what you need or have a suggestion? Contact us Here.
  • Step-by-Step Process for Achieving Housing

    STEP 1 — Gather Essential Identification

    These documents open every housing program.

    1. DD-214 (or request through milConnect / National Archives)

    2. Photo ID (NYS ID or Driver License)

    3. Social Security Card & Birth Certificate

    Tip: Start this step immediately—every delay in documentation delays housing.


    STEP 2 — Collect Income & Benefit Proof

    Required for vouchers, NYCHA, supportive housing, and landlords.

    1. VA Award Letter / Benefits Verification

    2. Proof of Income – SSI/SSD, SSA statements, employment pay stubs

    3. Shelter Residency Letter from DHS or shelter director


    STEP 3 — Begin Housing Applications

    Once identification and income documents are ready:

    1. Supportive Housing (2010e) Application

    2. HUD-VASH Referral (if VA-eligible)

    3. CityFHEPS Application (main NYC voucher)

    4. SOTA Program (1-year rent paid if relocating)

    5. NYCHA / Section 8 Portal (if list is open)


    STEP 4 — Prepare for Housing Search

    Create a complete housing-ready packet:

    1. Copy of all documents (ID, DD-214, income, residency)

    2. Housing Resume (recommended for brokers & landlords)

    3. Contact a Housing Specialist or SSVF Case Manager

    4. Identify Veteran-Friendly Real Estate Agents

    5. Search for units through brokers, NYC Housing Connect, HUD listings, and supportive housing networks.


    STEP 5 — Secure the Unit & Submit Landlord Documents

    1. Landlord provides:

          • Leasing paperwork

          • Unit information

          • Required building documents

          • W-9 (voucher programs require this)

    2. Submit to:

          • VA (for HUD-VASH)

          • NYCHRA (for CityFHEPS / SOTA)

          • NYCHA (for Section 8)

          • Supportive Housing Provider (for 2010e placements)

    3. Schedule the Inspection:

          • Housing Quality Standards inspection (HQS)

          • Repairs must be completed before approval


    STEP 6 — Final Approvals & Lease Signing

    1. Voucher or program approves the unit

    2. Lease signing with landlord

    3. Move-in funds released (voucher pays first month or subsidy)

    4. Veteran signs:

          • Lease agreement

          • Program participation documents

          • Case management consent (if applicable)


    STEP 7 — Move In & Maintain Housing

    1. Complete move-in

    2. Maintain communication with:

          • VA case manager (HUD-VASH)

          • SSVF/housing specialist

          • NYCHA or NYCHRA (annual recertification)

    3. Report income or household changes immediately

    4. Renew documents before they expire

    5. Request repairs through landlord & HPD if needed


  • Real Estate Organizations & Resources / New York

    Real Estate Organizations & Resources


    ·       Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY)

     Purpose: Represents NYC’s real estate professionals including brokers, landlords, and property managers.

     Website: https://www.rebny.com


    ·       National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)

     Purpose: National professional organization promoting ethics, housing policy, and continuing education for licensed agents. Website: https://www.nar.realtor


    ·       New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR)

     Purpose: Advocacy and training for real estate professionals statewide, including fair housing compliance.

     Website: https://www.nysar.com


    ·        Brooklyn Board of Realtors & Multiple Listing Service

     Purpose: Local REALTOR® chapter providing education and listings for Brooklyn-based professionals.

     Website: https://www.bbor.org


    ·       Long Island Board of REALTORS® (LIBOR)

     Purpose: Regional organization serving brokers and agents across Long Island, often overlapping with NYC markets. Website: https://www.lirealtor.com


    Affordable Housing & Management Networks


    ·       New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC)

     Purpose: Finances affordable housing developments and partners with management firms for income-based rentals. Website: https://www.nychdc.com


    ·       NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD)

     Purpose: Oversees affordable housing lotteries, inspections, and voucher housing compliance.

     Website: https://www.nyc.gov/hpd


    ·       National Apartment Association (NAA)

     Purpose: Offers training, compliance guidance, and landlord resources for managing voucher-friendly units.

     Website: https://www.naahq.org


    ·       Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) – NYC Chapter

     Purpose: Provides professional certifications and ethics standards for property managers and management companies. 

    Website: https://iremnyc.org


    ·       Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP NYC)

     Purpose: Advocates for small building owners and managers working in NYC’s rent-stabilized and affordable housing sectors. Website: https://chipnyc.org


    Landlord, Brokerage, and Veteran Partnership Networks


    ·       Veteran Housing & Real Estate Network (VHREN)

     Purpose: Connects brokers and landlords willing to lease to veterans with HUD-VASH or CityFHEPS vouchers.

     Website: https://vhrenetwork.org


    ·       FindRealEstate.com

     Purpose: Online platform with NYC brokers and agents who accept housing vouchers and work with veteran clients.

     Website: https://findrealestate.com


    ·       NYC Housing Connect

     Purpose: The city’s official affordable housing portal for lotteries and income-restricted rentals.

     Website: https://housingconnect.nyc.gov


    ·       New York Association of Realty Managers (NYARM)

     Purpose: Professional organization providing training and certification for building and property managers.

     Website: https://nyarm.com


    ·       The Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors (BMNAR)

     Purpose: Focuses on real estate professionals serving Upper Manhattan and the Bronx housing markets.

     Website: https://bmnar.com


    Key NYC Housing Incentive Programs for Brokers & Owners

    ·       Broker Incentive:  15% commission paid on the first year’s rent for approved voucher clients.

    ·       Landlord Bonus:  $1,000 per leased unit to landlords accepting vouchers.

    ·       Damage / Arrears Coverage:  Up to $3,000 reimbursement for qualifying units.

    ·       Unit Hold Incentive:  Payment to hold an approved apartment while voucher paperwork processes.

    ·       CityFHEPS Owner Guarantee Program:  Security deposit replacement fund for participating landlords. More info: https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/voucher-incentives.page

  • Veteran-friendly Real Estate Agents / NYC

    Looking to expand the list of agents, brokers, and individuals that are interested in renting to veterans. To be included on this list, please complete the form HERE


    Veteran-friendly Real Estate Agents:


    Baris Tuncer

    (212)203-6200

    Find Real Estate

    5 West 37th Street, 12th floor

    New York, NY 10018

    Email: baris@findrealestate.com

    https://findrealestate.com/agents/baristuncer


    Adrianne Clark

    (917) 684-3178

    NB Elite Realty, LLC

    clarke.realhomes@gmail.com

    https://nbeliterealty.com/


    Juanita George

    (917) 226-7329

    K Land Realty

    81-15 Queens Blvd, Ste. 203

    Elmhurst, NY 11373

    Email: rentingnow@yahoo.com


    Guy

    (914) 953-4075

    Has listings for rooms that accept vouchers.

    Can accept multiple vouchers for roommates


    Joan Campbell

    (845) 270-4744

    Has apartments all over the city.


    Sharon

    (347) 424-2251


    Henrico

    (914) 663-2188


    Mireya

    (917) 921-4438


    Owen

    (917) 418-8486


    Darrel

    (347) 683-5152


    Nelson

    (917) 769-8590


    Larry

    (646) 262-1776


    David

    (929) 228-6644


    Ian

    (347) 284-8930


    Mr. E

    (646) 363-5321


  • Housing Legal Services and Information

    Housing Legal Services and Information


    New York City renters, you have rights!

    Free legal advice and counsel is available for New York City residential renters. To access these services, please call 311 and ask for the "Tenant Helpline" 


    Office of Civil Justice

    New Yorkers facing housing issues in court can get free help through HRA’s Office of Civil Justice. If you qualify, we can connect you with a free lawyer. Call:311 or email: civiljustice@hra.nyc.gov 

    Legal Services NYC

    1 West 125th Street, 2nd Floor

    New York NY 10027

    (518) 463-4741


    The LSNYC Veterans Justice Project (VJP) provides comprehensive civil legal services to low-income military veterans, service members and their families. The VJP is designed to help veterans achieve greater housing and financial stability and connect veterans with social and mental health services in the City. The VJP works holistically to protect veterans and their family members from homelessness, resolve barriers to employment, preserve economic stability, and remedy many other problems that derail veterans’ successful reintegration into civilian life.


    Housing Court Answers

    The Housing Court Answers (HCA) also has a hotline at 212-962-4795 if you need help paying back rent. Call if you have a case in Housing Court and a good reason for falling behind in your rent such as a death in the family, serious illness, loss of job, or reduction in hours at work, if your income is now high enough that you can pay your future rent, and the amount of arrears is “manageable.” HCA does not provide direct financial help but refers callers to charities and provides information about NYC Human Resources Administrations rules for assistance. Staff and volunteers at information tables at all Housing Courts answer questions about court procedures and forms. They can also provide referrals to legal services providers and other eviction prevention organizations, resources, and agencies. Most staff members speak English and Spanish.


    The Legal Aid Society

    Housing, Foreclosure & Homelessness

    Are you facing eviction in Housing Court or are you facing foreclosure in Supreme Court? Are you facing eviction in NYCHA housing, or trying to sue for repairs? Do you need help on other housing issues? Are you homeless? You may be eligible for free legal assistance. The fastest way to see if you qualify for free legal assistance in a housing matter is to call The Legal Aid Society neighborhood office in your borough:

    Legal Aid Society Headquarters

    • 199 Water Street

    • New York, NY 10038

    • Phone: 212-577-3300

    • Manhattan: 212-426-3000

    • Brooklyn: 718-722-3100

    • Bronx: 718-991-4600

    • Queens: 718-286-2450

    • Staten Island: 347-422-5333


    Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel

    The mission of the Office of General Counsel (OGC) is to identify and meet the legal needs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Its primary objective is to ensure the just and faithful execution of the laws, regulations and policies that the Secretary has responsibility for administering, and by so doing enable the Department to accomplish its mission of service to our Nation's veterans. 

    Acting General Counsel: Richard J. Hipolit 

    The General Counsel of the Department of Veterans Affairs issues written legal opinions having precedential effect in adjudications and appeals involving veterans' benefits under laws administered by VA. 

    The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program

    2101 L Street NW, Suite 225

    Washington, DC 20037

    P: (888) 838-7727 (toll free)

    P: (202) 628-8164


    The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program is a leading national 501(c)(3) charity that has offered free legal representation to veterans, their families and survivors at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) since 1992.


    Legal Services Corporation (LSC)

    3333 K Street, NW

    Washington, DC 20007

    T: 202-295-1500

    For more than 45 years, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and its grantees, along with other legal aid programs, have been providing this help. It is the mission of LSC’s Veterans Task Force to further access to justice for veterans by:

    • Raising awareness of the legal issues faced by veterans;

    • Identifying ways to strengthen the relationships between legal aid providers and other veteran-serving organizations;

    • Highlighting model programs that provide effective, integrated services to veterans; and

    • Recommending strategies for engaging attorneys to provide legal assistance on a pro bono basis, including for complex legal issues.

  • Rental Assistance Forms & Documents (NYC)

    Rental Assistance Forms & Documents (NYC)

    Forms and Documents

    Download important information and application forms for rental assistance programs.


    CityFHEPS Documents

    FHEPS Documents

    Pathway Home Documents

    SOTA Documents


    The following programs are being replaced by CityFHEPS. Clients currently receiving these benefits will be moved to CityFHEPS when they renew.


    LINC Documents

    SEPS Documents

  • Additional Documents

    ☐_Proof of where you live:

    • Statement from landlord/primary tenant

    • Current rent receipt or lease, or mortgage records

    • Shelter Residency Letter from their case manager


    ☐_Proof of Income (if any):

    • Current pay stubs

    • Current income tax return

    • Updated VA disability award letter (condition & rating every 90 days)

    • Updated checking and savings accounts printouts


    ☐_Proof of Current Immigration Status:

    • USCIS documentation

    Receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not affect your immigration case or lead to deportation.


    ☐_2010e Mental Health Letter (NYC):

    This is a standard necessity for Supportive Housing programs such as HASA or Long-Term Care Services and provided to the organization brokering the housing. Think of it as a Nexus Letter for Supportive Housing. For veterans pursuing supportive housing, it is mandatory to have the 2010e completed by their mental health care provider. Do not allow anyone to tell you a 2010e is not necessary for supportive housing.