Get relief from the heavy burden of rent; find affordable housing through the ARHC scheme—here are the details.

ARHC Scheme: If you are living in another city and struggling with high rent, the government's ARHC scheme could be helpful. Under this scheme, people can access rental housing at affordable rates.

PMAY-U Scheme: Finding a good rental home on a limited budget in major cities today is not easy. People moving to other cities for education, jobs, or work often face significant challenges in finding rental accommodation. They frequently have to settle for homes smaller than their needs or pay exorbitant rents.

If you are living away from home in another city and are troubled by rising rental costs, the government's Affordable Rental Housing Complex (ARHC) scheme could benefit you. This scheme provides affordable rental housing facilities to those in need.

What is the objective of the ARHC scheme?

ARHC (Affordable Rental Housing Complex) is a central government scheme launched with a focus on low-income individuals and migrant workers living in urban areas. Its aim is to provide better housing at affordable rents to such individuals. The scheme was launched in 2020 under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a large number of laborers and workers were forced to leave cities and return to their villages. A shortage of affordable rental housing came to light during that period. Recognizing this need, the government launched the scheme to ensure people could find affordable housing in cities.

Who can avail the benefits of the scheme?

The benefits of this scheme are primarily extended to individuals belonging to the EWS (Economically Weaker Section) and LIG (Low-Income Group) categories. Those who earn a daily wage for their livelihood and live in rented accommodation are eligible to apply. This includes daily wage laborers, street vendors, rickshaw pullers, factory workers, students, and individuals who have moved to a city in search of work. Beneficiaries of the PMAY-U (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban) scheme can also avail the benefits of this scheme. An individual residing in a different city for work or employment—who does not own a house there under PMAY-U—may also be eligible for this scheme.

How does the scheme work?

The scheme operates primarily in two ways:

One method utilizes existing, vacant government-owned houses. These houses are made habitable and rented out to those in need.

The second method involves government and private entities constructing new rental housing on their available land to provide accommodation to a larger number of people.

What is required to apply?

The method for determining rent differs between the two models. In the first model, the local authority fixes the rent, whereas in the second model, the constructing agency determines it. Limits have also been set for rent hikes; rent can be increased every two years, but the total increase over a five-year period cannot exceed 20 percent.

An Aadhaar card or another government-issued identity proof is mandatory for the application. Priority in housing allotment is given to individuals belonging to SC, ST, and OBC categories. Additionally, priority is extended to widows, working women, persons with disabilities, minorities, and members of the transgender community; however, applicants must fall under the EWS (Economically Weaker Section) or LIG (Low-Income Group) categories.

How to apply?

If you wish to avail the benefits of this scheme, you can apply by visiting the official ARHC website at https://arhc.mohua.gov.in. Essential information regarding the scheme and the application process is available there. If you are living in another city for a job, studies, or work and are burdened by high monthly rents, the ARHC scheme could prove beneficial. It offers the opportunity to secure affordable rental housing, thereby helping to reduce living expenses to some extent.