RHS

Rental Housing Scheme

5.5/10

The scheme aims to provide rental housing to individuals and families from lower and middle-income groups, address housing shortages, prevent unauthorized settlements, and promote orderly urban development. It benefits Grade Third and Grade Fourth employees and eligible non-government individuals.

State In Kind

States / UT: Assam

Nodal department: Public Works Buildings & NH Department

Scheme for: Family

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Transport & Infrastructure, Social welfare & Empowerment

Sub-categories: Infrastructure, Shelter

Target beneficiaries: Individual, Family

Tags: Housing, Shelter, Accomodation, Flats, Construction

Details

The "Rental Housing Scheme" was launched by the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of Assam on 14th October 1977. The scheme aims to provide rental housing to individuals and families from lower and middle-income groups, address housing shortages, prevent unauthorized settlements, and promote orderly urban development in high-demand areas across Assam, with a significant presence in urban areas. The scheme provides rental housing particularly in urban and semi-urban areas and offers accommodation for Grade Third and Grade Fourth government or semi-government employees, while also benefiting eligible non-government individuals without property in the area.

Benefits

  • - Rental Housing Provision: Provides rental housing to needy people, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.- Employment-based Accommodation: Offers accommodation specifically for Grade Third and Grade Fourth government or semi-government employees.- Non-government Eligibility: Benefits eligible non-government individuals without property in the area.- Urban Development: Helps reduce unauthorized settlements by offering planned housing.- Transparent Allocation: Ensures transparent allotment through a draw-of-lots system as per Honourable Gauhati High Court directions.- Geographic Coverage: Supports urban and semi-urban housing needs across Assam with 2,322 rental flats constructed, of which 1,858 are located in greater Guwahati.- Urban Planning Support: Contributes to urban planning and stability by managing migration and housing demand.- Housing Categories: Housing types include Middle Income Group, Lower Income Group, and Economically Weaker Section categories. Conditions
  • Payment of rent and security deposit as per allotment order
  • Compliance with all terms and conditions outlined under Section 15(1) of the Assam State Housing Board Rules, 1976
  • Rental Housing Provision: Provides rental housing to needy people, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.- Employment-based Accommodation: Offers accommodation specifically for Grade Third and Grade Fourth government or semi-government employees.- Non-government Eligibility: Benefits eligible non-government individuals without property in the area.- Urban Development: Helps reduce unauthorized settlements by offering planned housing.- Transparent Allocation: Ensures transparent allotment through a draw-of-lots system as per Honourable Gauhati High Court directions.- Geographic Coverage: Supports urban and semi-urban housing needs across Assam with 2,322 rental flats constructed, of which 1,858 are located in greater Guwahati.- Urban Planning Support: Contributes to urban planning and stability by managing migration and housing demand.- Housing Categories: Housing types include Middle Income Group, Lower Income Group, and Economically Weaker Section categories.
    Conditions

  • Payment of rent and security deposit as per allotment order.

  • Compliance with all terms and conditions outlined under Section 15(1) of the Assam State Housing Board Rules, 1976.


Eligibility

  • The applicant must be a Grade Third or Grade Fourth government or semi-government employee under Section 15(1) of Assam State Housing Board Rules, 1976.
  • The applicant must be a non-government individual meeting the conditions under Section 15(2) of Assam State Housing Board Rules, 1976.
  • The applicant must not own any landed property in the location where the rental housing is situated.
  • The applicant must fulfill all terms and conditions outlined under Section 15(1) of the Assam State Housing Board Rules, 1976.
  • The applicant must be between 18 years and 60 years of age.

Exclusions

  • The applicant who owns landed property in the same location is excluded from availing benefits under the scheme.
  • The applicant who fails to meet the conditions under Section 15 of Assam State Housing Board Rules, 1976 is excluded from availing benefits under the scheme.
  • The applicant whose age is less than 18 years or more than 60 years is excluded from the scheme.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

5.5
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 6.0/10 Moderate
Rural usefulness 6.0/10 Moderate
Application complexity 5.0/10 Moderate
Financial impact 5.0/10 Moderate
Literacy barrier 4.0/10 Moderate
Women inclusivity 5.0/10 Moderate
Awareness 4.5/10 Moderate
Implementation reliability 7.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility6.0
  • Financial impact5.0
  • Rural utility6.0
  • Awareness4.5
  • Simplicity5.0
  • Inclusivity5.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The Rental Housing Scheme provides essential housing support to lower and middle-income groups, particularly benefiting government employees and non-government individuals without property.

Key challenges addressed

  • Housing shortages
  • Unauthorized settlements
  • Urban development

Most beneficial for

  • Grade Third and Fourth government employees
  • Lower and middle-income families
  • Non-government individuals without property

Likely challenges

  • Complex application process
  • Limited awareness among potential beneficiaries
  • Eligibility restrictions

Practical insights for citizens

The scheme is practical for urban residents but poses challenges for rural applicants.

Rural challenges

  • Limited access to urban housing
  • Awareness and outreach in rural areas

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Complex eligibility criteria
  • Limited availability of flats

Awareness challenges

  • Low awareness among potential beneficiaries
  • Need for better outreach programs

Application analysis

Application mode
Offline office
Documents burden
Moderate, requires multiple documents and affidavits
Verification complexity
Moderate, involves verification of employment and property status
Office dependency
High, requires in-person visits to housing board offices
CSC support
Low, primarily offline
Estimated citizen effort
High, due to multiple steps and document requirements

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach Urban-only
  • Gender reach Moderate
  • Target income group Lower and middle-income groups
  • Occupation reach Government and semi-government employees, non-government individuals

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
In Kind
Benefit frequency
One-time allocation of rental housing
Benefit practicality
High, as it addresses immediate housing needs
Financial meaningfulness
Moderate, as it provides essential housing but may not cover all costs
Long-term impact
Positive, contributes to urban stability and planned development

Plain-language guidance

The Rental Housing Scheme helps lower and middle-income families find affordable rental housing, especially in urban areas. It is designed for government employees and eligible non-government individuals without property.

Who should apply
Grade Third and Fourth government employees and non-government individuals without property.
Who may struggle
Semi-literate individuals and those unfamiliar with the application process.
Best application route
Apply directly at the Assam State Housing Board office or District Housing offices.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Offline

Step 1: Visit the Office of the Assam State Housing Board, R.G. Baruah Road, Guwahati-05, or the District Housing offices located in the respective districts of Assam.
Step 2: Obtain the prescribed application form from the designated staff by paying ₹500/-. The forms are available only during the notification period as announced by the board.
Step 3: Fill in all required personal details including employment or occupation information, income details, category selection, and other mandatory columns as specified in the form. Attach all required documents as listed in the documents section, ensuring they are properly organized and complete. Verify that all documents meet the specified requirements and are properly attested where necessary.
Step 4: Submit the completed application form along with all required documents in person at the Assam State Housing Board office or the respective District Housing office before the deadline as instructed in the notification.
Step 5: Receive a receipt or acknowledgment after successful submission of the application and documents. This acknowledgment serves as proof of application submission and should be retained for future reference.
*Applications must be submitted before the deadline as instructed in the notification published by Assam State Housing Board.
*Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
_*_Notifications and updates are published on the official website https://ashb.assam.gov.in/

Post-Application Processes

Step 1: Rental Housing Scheme flats are allotted through a draw of lots as per Honourable Gauhati High Court directions. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available flats, the final allotment will be made through this transparent process.
Step 2: Successful applicants must pay their rent and security deposit as per the allotment order issued by the board. Upon completion of payment formalities, occupancy can be taken as per the terms and conditions specified in the allotment order.

Grievance Redressal / Help & Support

Office Address: Office of the Commissioner, Assam State Housing Board, R.G. Baruah Road, Guwahati-781005
Email: ashb@nic.in, housingboard2021@gmail.com

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

Can I apply for rental housing if I work as a Grade Third employee in the government sector?

Yes, Grade Third government or semi-government employees are eligible to apply under Section 15(1) of the Assam State Housing Board Rules, 1976.

What is the maximum age limit for applicants seeking rental accommodation under this housing initiative?

The applicant's age should not exceed 60 years at the time of application, with the minimum age requirement being 18 years.

Am I required to submit an affidavit regarding my property ownership status when applying for rental housing?

Yes, you must submit an affidavit stating that you do not own any house or landed property in the respective district where the rental housing is located.

How much do I need to pay to obtain the application form for rental housing accommodation?

You need to pay ₹500/- (Five Hundred Rupees) only to obtain each application form from the Assam State Housing Board office.

Will I be automatically allocated a flat if I meet all the eligibility criteria for this rental housing program?

No, if the number of applicants exceeds available flats, the final allotment will be made through a draw of lots as per Honourable Gauhati High Court directions.

Can non-government individuals apply for rental housing accommodation under this scheme, or is it exclusively for government employees?

Non-government individuals can apply if they meet the conditions specified under Section 15(2) of the Assam State Housing Board Rules, 1976.

What happens if I own landed property in the same location where I am applying for rental housing?

Applicants who own landed property in the same location are excluded from availing benefits under this housing scheme.

Do I need to provide photographs along with my application, and if yes, how many copies are required?

Yes, you must provide 3 copies of recent passport size photographs and 1 copy of a group photograph of family members.

Is it possible to submit my application for rental housing through online mode, or do I have to visit the office personally?

The application process is offline only, and you must visit the Assam State Housing Board office or District Housing offices to submit your application personally.

What types of housing categories are available under this rental accommodation scheme for eligible applicants?

The housing types available include Middle Income Group, Lower Income Group, and Economically Weaker Section categories.

If I am a Grade Fourth semi-government employee, am I eligible to apply for rental housing under this program?

Yes, Grade Fourth semi-government employees are eligible to apply under Section 15(1) of the Assam State Housing Board Rules, 1976.

What certificate do I need to provide to prove that I have not availed any housing loan previously?

You must submit a Non drawal of Housing loan certificate from the appropriate authority along with your application.

Where can I collect the application form for rental housing, and during what time period is it available?

You can collect forms from the Assam State Housing Board Head Office on R.G. Baruah Road, Guwahati-05, or District Housing offices during the notification period announced by the board.

What is the minimum age requirement for applicants who wish to apply for rental housing accommodation?

The minimum age requirement for applicants is 18 years, and you must provide a birth certificate or age proof certificate as documentation.

References

Guidelines
https://ashb.assam.gov.in/portlets/state-plan-schemes
Application Process
https://ashb.assam.gov.in/how-to/how-to-apply-for-housing-accommodation

Apply

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Rental Housing Scheme?
Rental Housing Scheme is a government welfare initiative designed to support Family, Individual, Family through benefits related to Transport & Infrastructure, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Rental Housing Scheme?
Eligibility for Rental Housing Scheme may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under Rental Housing Scheme?
Benefits under Rental Housing Scheme may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages Rental Housing Scheme?
Rental Housing Scheme is managed by Public Works Buildings & NH Department and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for Rental Housing Scheme?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Rental Housing Scheme through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Rental Housing Scheme?
Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for Rental Housing Scheme?
Applications for Rental Housing Scheme may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for Rental Housing Scheme?
Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is income certificate required for Rental Housing Scheme?
Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under Rental Housing Scheme.
Is Rental Housing Scheme available in all states?
No, Rental Housing Scheme is primarily available for eligible residents of Assam and may be implemented through state government departments and local administrative offices.
Can residents outside Assam apply for Rental Housing Scheme?
Eligibility for Rental Housing Scheme is generally limited to residents of Assam unless otherwise specified in the official scheme guidelines.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Rental Housing Scheme?
Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for Rental Housing Scheme?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for Rental Housing Scheme?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for Rental Housing Scheme in Assam?
Users in Assam may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with Rental Housing Scheme applications?
Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.