Affordable Rental Housing Scheme – The Government of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has rolled out an innovative scheme aimed at boosting the standard of living for low-income individuals and migrants through the Affordable Rental Housing Scheme. This initiative is part of the larger Atma Nirbhar Bharat mission and falls under the purview of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. In this article, we will discuss all the vital details regarding this scheme, covering eligibility, application procedures, and more.
Affordable Rental Housing Scheme 2025
The Affordable Rental Housing Scheme is specifically designed to assist the urban poor and migrants. Under this scheme, vacant government-funded housing units will be transformed into affordable rental properties through a partnership model involving both public and private sectors. The initiative is centrally sponsored and entails the construction, operation, and maintenance of rental housing complexes on available land. Authorities estimate that at least 40 housing units, equipped with essential facilities, will be created. The housing types will range from single-bedroom units of up to 30 square meters to double-bedroom units of up to 60 square meters, each containing a living area, kitchen, toilet, and bathroom. Local authorities will determine the operations, ensuring these homes are available for a minimum of 25 years.
Details Of Affordable Rental Housing Scheme
Name of Scheme | Affordable Rental Housing Scheme |
Type Of Scheme | Central Government Scheme |
Announced By | Mr. Narendra Modi |
Start Date of Apply Online | Tentative Date Not Announced |
Beneficiary | Poor People Of India |
Official Website | arhc.mohua.gov.in |
Implementation Procedure Of Scheme
The Affordable Rental Housing Scheme will be financed through a fund established by the National Housing Bank, which has been allocated around 10,000 crores. This fund will support Housing Finance Companies in providing housing loans for development in both urban and rural regions. The Reserve Bank of India will also allocate the affordable housing fund since this is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at supporting urban populations, especially migrants struggling for housing during the current challenges stemming from the pandemic.

Beneficiaries Under ARHCs Scheme
The beneficiaries of the Affordable Rental Housing Scheme include:
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) or Low-Income Groups (LIG)
- Families with an annual income between ₹3,00,001 and ₹6,00,000
- Migrants and poor individuals living in urban areas
- Street vendors, rickshaw pullers, and basic service providers
- Industrial workers and segments within education, health institutions, and the hospitality sector
- Long-term tourists and students
- Any other vulnerable groups
Objectives Of Affordable Rental Housing Scheme
The primary goals of this scheme are:
- Support the Atma Nirbhar Bharat vision
- Provide affordable rental housing for urban migrants and the underprivileged
- Aim for housing for all
- Deliver essential civic amenities to low-income groups
- Create a supportive environment for the urban poor
- Encourage investment leverage
- Support the workforce
- Utilize vacant land for housing development
Background Of ARHCs Scheme
Previous schemes such as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission and Rajiv Awas Yojana were launched in 2005 and continued until 2014, focusing on constructing permanent housing for slum dwellers. These programs resulted in the establishment of 13.83 lakh houses, with 12.24 lakh completed to date, while many houses remain unutilized. The Affordable Rental Housing Scheme aims to maximize the usage of these vacant properties across the country.
States/UTs Signing Pacts
Of the 36 states in India, 24 states are prepared to sign agreements with the Central Government to implement the Affordable Rental Housing Scheme. Agreements will be finalized soon, with the following states participating:
- Andhra Pradesh
- Assam
- Bihar
- Gujarat
- Haryana
- Himachal Pradesh
- Karnataka
- Kerala
- Madhya Pradesh
- Meghalaya
- Mizoram
- Nagaland
- Odisha
- Punjab
- Rajasthan
- Sikkim
- Tamil Nadu
- Telangana
- Tripura
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Chandigarh
- Daman and Diu
- Puducherry
Affordable Rental Housing Scheme Process Flow
Model 1
- Assess inventory of vacant houses
- Determine affordable rent city-wise
- Issue RFP (Request for Proposal)
- Submit proposals
- Conduct technical/financial evaluations
- Approve/select concessionaire
- Gain approval from SLAC/SLSMC
- Hand over site to concessionaire
- Commence construction
Model 2
- Issue EOI (Expression of Interest)
- Submit applications
- Conduct technical evaluation
- Submit DPR (Detailed Project Report)
- Receive SLSMC/CSMC approval
- Secure statutory approvals
- Begin project work
Duration Of Affordable Rental Housing Scheme
- The projects will be funded until the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana mission concludes, which is currently set for March 2024.
- Any projects approved under this scheme will be supported for 18 months to ensure effective fund allocation.
Light House Projects Under ARHCs
- Six Light House Projects (LHP) will also be executed under this scheme, with each project comprising approximately 1,000 houses, complete with physical and social infrastructure facilities. The locations for these projects include:
- Indore
- Rajkot
- Chennai
- Ranchi
- Agartala
- Lucknow
- These projects will showcase the application of innovative construction technologies, fostering expedient housing solutions that are sustainable, cost-effective, and durable.
- LHPs will serve as live laboratories for stakeholders, supporting the transition of technologies from research to reality.
Model For Houses Under Affordable Rental Housing Scheme
The housing units will adhere to the following specifications set by relevant authorities:
Type | Carpet Area | Unit Structure | Ratio |
Single Bedroom | Up to 30 square meters | 1 bedroom, living area, kitchen, bathroom, toilet | Variable based on project needs |
Dormitory | Up to 10 square meters | Beds, side table, shelf, locker, common kitchen, toilet | Variable based on project needs |
Double Bedroom | Up to 60 square meters | 2 bedrooms, living area, kitchen, bathroom, toilet | Permissible up to 33% of total dwelling units |
Application Procedure Of Affordable Rental Housing Scheme
- Interested private and public entities must access the official website.
- Find the Online Registration option on the menu bar.

- Click on it, and fill out the required details including:
- Name of Enterprise/Business
- Type of Organisation/Business
- Registered Address
- Postal Code
- Applicant’s Name as per Aadhaar Card
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
- Verify the Captcha code and click submit.
Procedure To Login On The Portal
- Go to the official website of the scheme.
- Click on the login button.
- Enter your user ID, password, and captcha code, then click submit.
View Progress Report
- Access the official website.
- Select the dashboard and click on the progress report.
- Last, select MoA signed to see the details.

Procedure To Get Details Of Government Funded Vacant Houses
- Visit the official website.
- Click on the dashboard, then select details of government funded vacant houses.

Procedure To View Contact Details
- Navigate to the official website.
- Select the contact us section, then click on directory.
- Options for MoHUA and States/UTs will appear for information.
Contact Information
For any inquiries or issues, please reach out through the following helpline numbers or email:
- Helpline Numbers – 011-23063266, 23063285, 8130653741
- Email ID – arch-mohua@gov.in