Legal Definitions - Rural Housing Service

Rural Housing Service

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is an agency within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that is responsible for providing loans or guarantees for housing in rural areas.

• A family living in a small town in rural America may apply for a loan through the Rural Housing Service to purchase a home.
• A farmer who wants to build a new house on their property may also be eligible for a loan or guarantee from the Rural Housing Service.

These examples illustrate how the Rural Housing Service provides financial assistance to individuals and families who want to live in rural areas. Without this agency, it may be difficult for people in rural communities to obtain the necessary funding to purchase or build a home.