Abstract: Some terms in the field of housing policy are confusing in China. This paper seeks to sort out these terms and formulates the standards. Based on comparative analysis and historical review for “housing guarantee” and “housing assistance”, we found that “housing assistance” is a suitable terminology to express activities or systems contributing to the fulfillment of housing, while “housing guarantee” generally refers to housing assistance programs for low-income residents and vulnerable groups. Relative to the term of “housing guarantee”, “housing assistance” is more extensive and flexible, its recipients and approaches are pluralistic.

Key words: housing policy, housing guarantee, housing assistance, housing allowance, terminology study