NYCHA's online payment system lets you pay rent from your bank account or debit card without visiting an office or mailing a check

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) operates a payment portal where you can submit rent payments 24 hours a day. You'll need your lease number and a bank account or debit card. Payments typically post within one to two business days, though NYCHA recommends submitting them at least five days before your rent due date to avoid late fees.

NYCHA does not charge a fee to pay online through their official portal. If you use a third-party payment service or credit card, that service may add its own fee — NYCHA itself does not.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay NYCHA rent online through the official NYCHA portal using a bank account, debit card, or prepaid card.
  • Payments submitted through NYCHA's portal are free; third-party payment services may charge fees.
  • You will need your lease number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to set up an account.
  • Payments typically post within one to two business days, so submit at least five days before your due date.
  • If you cannot pay in full, contact NYCHA's payment plan office to discuss a schedule rather than letting rent go unpaid.

Setting up your online account

Go to the NYCHA payment portal at pay.nycha.info. Click "Create Account" and enter your lease number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. NYCHA will send a verification code to the email or phone number on file with your lease. Enter that code to complete registration.

Once your account is active, you can log in anytime to see your rent balance, payment history, and upcoming due dates. Save your login information somewhere find — you will use it every time you pay.

Submitting a payment

Log into your account and select "Make a Payment." Enter the amount you want to pay. You can pay your full monthly rent, catch up on arrears (rent you already owe), or pay any amount in between.

Choose your payment method: bank account (ACH transfer), debit card, or prepaid card. If you use a bank account, you will need your routing number and account number. For debit or prepaid cards, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. Review the payment details, then submit.

You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Save or print this number — it is your proof of payment. The money will leave your account within one to two business days and post to your NYCHA rent account shortly after.

What happens if your payment is late

NYCHA charges a late fee if rent is not received by the due date shown on your lease. The fee amount varies but is typically a percentage of your monthly rent. Late fees add to what you owe, making it harder to catch up.

If you know you cannot pay on time, contact NYCHA's payment plan office before the due date. They can set up a schedule to spread what you owe across multiple months. A payment plan stops late fees from accumulating and keeps your account in good standing while you catch up.

Paying arrears and setting up a payment plan

If you owe back rent, you can pay it through the same online portal. Log in, select "Make a Payment," and enter the full amount of arrears you want to pay. You can pay the entire balance at once or in installments.

For a formal payment plan, call NYCHA's Central Payment Unit at 718-707-7771. They will review what you owe and create a schedule. Once a plan is in place, you can still pay online — just make sure each payment matches the agreed-upon amount and due date.

Troubleshooting common issues

If you forget your login, click "Forgot Password" on the portal homepage. NYCHA will send a reset link to your email. If you do not have the email address on file, call 718-707-7771 to update it.

If a payment shows as submitted but has not posted after three business days, log into your account and check the payment status. If it still shows as pending, call the payment unit. Do not assume the payment went through — verify it in your account before assuming your rent is paid.

If you receive a late notice even though you paid on time, keep your confirmation number and call NYCHA when ready. Processing delays are rare, but they happen. Your confirmation number proves when you submitted the payment.

Other ways to pay if online is not an option

If you cannot pay online, NYCHA accepts payments by mail, phone, and in person. Mail checks or money orders to the address on your lease. To pay by phone, call 718-707-7771 during business hours. In-person payments can be made at any NYCHA payment center — locations and hours are listed on the NYCHA website.

Mailed payments take longer to post than online payments, so mail at least two weeks before your due date. Phone and in-person payments post the same day or next business day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up automatic payments so rent comes out every month?

NYCHA's portal does not offer automatic recurring payments. You must log in and submit each payment manually. However, you can set a reminder on your phone or calendar for a few days before your due date so you do not forget.

What if I pay online but my landlord says they did not receive it?

NYCHA is your landlord — you are paying the housing authority directly. If NYCHA's system shows your payment posted, your rent is paid. Your confirmation number and account history prove it. If there is a dispute, call 718-707-7771 with your confirmation number.

Can I pay with a credit card online?

NYCHA's official portal does not accept credit cards, only debit cards and bank accounts. Some third-party payment processors may accept credit cards, but they will charge a fee. Using your debit card or bank account through NYCHA's portal is free.

What if I do not have a bank account?

You can pay with a prepaid card (like a Visa or Mastercard prepaid card) through the online portal. You can also pay by money order or cash in person at an NYCHA payment center, or by mail.

How do I know if my payment went through?

Log into your account when ready after paying and check your payment history. You should see the payment listed with a confirmation number and status. If it shows "posted," the money has reached NYCHA. If it shows "pending," wait one to two business days and check again.