Overlook at Brook Run is a mixed-income housing community in Westchester County, New York

Overlook at Brook Run is a residential community in Yonkers, New York, developed to include both market-rate and affordable units. The property is located in Westchester County and offers apartment homes with varying rent levels depending on income. Some units are reserved for households earning below the area median income, while others are available at market rates.

The community is managed by a private property management company and operates under affordability restrictions that govern which households can rent the income-restricted units and at what rent level. If you are looking at this property as a potential place to live, you will need to understand which units are income-restricted, what the income limits are, and how to contact the leasing office to inquire about availability.

Key Takeaways

  • Overlook at Brook Run includes both affordable and market-rate units in Yonkers, New York, with affordability restrictions on some apartments.
  • Income limits for affordable units are set by the area median income for Westchester County and vary by household size.
  • You will need to provide proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or tax returns, to show you meet the income requirement for an affordable unit.
  • The property leasing office is your first point of contact to learn which units are currently available and what the process process requires.

Income limits and who can rent affordable units

Affordable units at Overlook at Brook Run are restricted to households whose income falls at or below a certain percentage of the area median income (AMI) for Westchester County. The exact percentage varies depending on the funding source and the specific affordability agreement that governs the property. Common thresholds are 60% AMI, 80% AMI, or 100% AMI, meaning your household income cannot exceed that percentage of what the median household in the county earns.

Income limits change annually and depend on household size. A household of one person will have a lower income limit than a household of four. To find the current income limits for Westchester County, you can contact the Yonkers Housing Authority or the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR). The leasing office at Overlook at Brook Run can also tell you the specific limits that explore to units currently available.

If your household income exceeds the limit for affordable units, you may still be able to rent a market-rate unit at the property, though the rent will be higher and will not be subsidized.

Documents you will need to provide

When you contact the leasing office about an affordable unit, you will be asked to provide proof of your household income. Standard documents include the last two months of pay stubs from all employed household members, a recent federal tax return (usually the most recent year filed), or a letter from your employer stating your annual salary. If you receive income from unemployment, Social Security, disability, or other sources, bring documentation of that as well.

You will also need to provide a photo ID, proof of Social Security number, and a rental history or references from previous landlords. Some properties also run a credit and background check. The leasing office can give you a complete list of what they require before you begin gathering documents.

How to contact Overlook at Brook Run

The leasing office is located at the property in Yonkers. You can visit in person during business hours, call the main office number, or check the property website for information about current availability and the process process. When you call or visit, ask specifically about income-restricted units and whether any are available in your income range.

If you have difficulty reaching the property directly, you can also contact the Yonkers Housing Authority or call 211 (a free referral service) to ask for contact information and current availability. These services can tell you whether units are currently open to new residents and may be able to provide additional information about the process timeline.

Rent amounts and what is included

Rent for affordable units is set based on your income and the affordability restrictions on the property. Typically, affordable rent is calculated as 30% of your gross household income, though the exact formula depends on the specific program funding the units. Market-rate units at the property will have higher rents that are not income-based.

Rent usually covers your apartment and basic utilities, though some properties require tenants to pay for certain utilities separately. Ask the leasing office what is included in the rent quote they give you. You may also be responsible for renters insurance, parking fees (if applicable), and any pet fees if you have animals.

The process and approval timeline

Once you submit an process with the required documents, the leasing office will review your income, rental history, and background information. This review typically takes two to four weeks, though it can be faster if all your documents are complete and correct. If your income is verified and you meet the property's other requirements, you will receive a lease to sign.

After you sign the lease, you may need to complete a move-in inspection and pay a security deposit (usually equal to one month's rent) before you can receive keys. The timeline from process to move-in is usually four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you provide documents and how busy the leasing office is.

What happens if your income changes

If you are living in an affordable unit and your household income increases significantly, you may eventually earn more than the income limit for that unit. Most affordability programs allow you to stay in your apartment even if your income rises, but your rent may increase. The property will typically recertify your income annually, and if you exceed the limit by a certain amount (often 20% or more), your rent may be adjusted upward.

The exact rules depend on the funding source and the affordability agreement. Ask the leasing office or your lease what happens if your income changes, so you understand your obligations going forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Yonkers resident to rent at Overlook at Brook Run?

No. Affordable housing programs in New York do not require you to live in the city or county where the property is located. You can rent at Overlook at Brook Run if you meet the income limit, regardless of where you currently live.

What if I don't have recent pay stubs because I'm self-employed?

Self-employed applicants typically provide the last two years of federal tax returns and a current profit-and-loss statement. Some properties also accept a letter from an accountant verifying your income. Contact the leasing office to ask what documents they will accept for self-employment income.

Can I explore if I have a criminal record or bad credit?

That depends on the property's policies. Some properties have strict policies that disqualify applicants with certain convictions or credit issues, while others consider circumstances and may overlook older or minor issues. Ask the leasing office directly about their screening criteria before you explore.

Is there a waiting list if no units are currently available?

Many properties maintain a waiting list for households interested in affordable units. Contact the leasing office to ask whether they accept applications for the waiting list and how long the wait typically is.