Guide · CityFHEPS

CityFHEPS in Staten Island: 2026 Rent Guide

VoucherKing Editorial·May 7, 2026·7 min read·Staten Island, Staten Island

Searching for a CityFHEPS-approved apartment in Staten Island, Staten Island can feel overwhelming — especially when landlords don't always advertise program status upfront. This guide covers the 2026 payment standards, what to expect from the local rental market, and practical steps to land a unit.

2026 CityFHEPS Payment Standards

The table below shows the maximum monthly rent CityFHEPS will cover for a qualifying unit in Staten Island. Your personal contribution is based on 30% of your adjusted monthly income — the program pays the rest up to these caps.

Unit Size	Program Maximum (2026)
Studio	$2,387/mo
1 Bedroom	$2,696/mo
2 Bedrooms	$3,247/mo
3 Bedrooms	$4,002/mo
4 Bedrooms	$4,637/mo

About Staten Island

Staten Island spans ZIP codes 10301, 10302, 10303, 10304, 10305, 10306, 10314 in Staten Island. Staten Island is the most underserved borough for housing voucher information — most guides and search tools focus exclusively on the other four boroughs. Yet CityFHEPS's citywide payment standards apply equally here, and competition for voucher-eligible units is substantially lower. North Shore neighborhoods (St. George, Stapleton, Port Richmond) have the highest transit connectivity via the Staten Island Ferry and SIR.

Transit Access

The neighborhood is served by the Staten Island Railway, Ferry trains. Key stations include St. George Terminal (Ferry/SIR), Stapleton (SIR), New Dorp (SIR), Tottenville (SIR), providing connections to Midtown Manhattan and major employment centers across the city.

Tips for Finding a Unit

VoucherKing filters listings to units within the CityFHEPS payment standard for your bedroom size — search there first.
Reach out to property managers directly and mention your voucher early — experienced landlords prefer to know upfront.
Have your documents ready before touring: voucher letter, government-issued ID, your case manager's contact info.
Ask if the landlord has worked with your program before — they'll move faster through the inspection process.
If a unit's rent is just above the payment standard, ask the landlord to reduce it — many prefer reliable direct payment over a market-rate tenant.

Also search in St. George, Stapleton, Port Richmond — similar inventory and transit access, often with more available units.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use CityFHEPS on Staten Island?

Yes. CityFHEPS is a citywide program and its payment standards apply equally to Staten Island. Competition for voucher-eligible units is lower than in Brooklyn or the Bronx, which can mean faster placements. The trade-off is longer commutes — Midtown Manhattan is about 60–80 minutes via the Ferry and subway.

Which parts of Staten Island have the most CityFHEPS apartments?

The North Shore — especially St. George, Stapleton, and Tompkinsville — has the densest housing stock and shortest commute via the ferry. Port Richmond also has CityFHEPS-compatible inventory. The South Shore is more car-dependent.

How do I get to Manhattan from Staten Island?

The Staten Island Ferry runs 24/7 and is free. It connects St. George to Whitehall in Lower Manhattan in 25 minutes. From there, the 1/4/5/R/W subway continues to Midtown. Total door-to-door time to Midtown is 60–75 minutes.

Can any landlord in NYC accept CityFHEPS?

Yes. Any landlord can work with CityFHEPS. NYC Local Law 63 prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to voucher holders based solely on their source of income. If a landlord turns you away because of your CityFHEPS voucher, you can file a complaint with the NYC Commission on Human Rights.

How do I apply for CityFHEPS?

CityFHEPS applications are processed through the NYC Department of Social Services (DSS). You typically need to be in a shelter or at imminent risk of homelessness, meet income requirements (at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level), and receive or be eligible for Cash Assistance. Contact your HRA center or shelter case manager to apply.