So, you're about to receive a permanent change of station order or you've just transferred and are thinking about your housing options. When considering where to live there are a number of things to think about: the cost of housing, locations of schools, access to leisure activities or accommodations for family pets are just the tip of the iceberg.
What you've heard is true: Housing options for military personnel and military families have changed over the years. Here are five different housing options that will help you make the right choice:
- Privatized military installation housing
- Government-owned military installation housing
- Single or unaccompanied military installation housing
- Rent a home off the installation
- Buy a home off the installation
Check with your installation's housing office for help with temporary housing and to apply for housing allowances. Visit MilitaryINSTALLATIONS to find your new installation's housing office.
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Living on a military installation
The options for living on the installation vary widely from location to location. Here's some information on your on-base options:
- Public-private ventures are housing units that are new, improved or renovated. Contact your installation's housing office for availability and more information about housing and amenities.
- Government-owned housing is owned and maintained by the Department of Defense and saves you from paying rent and most utilities. With this option, you give up your Basic Allowance for housing.
- Single or unaccompanied housing for service members is a single or shared room with a private or shared bath. Bonus with this housing option? You don't have to pay rent or most utilities. You do, however, give up your housing allowance.
The joys of living off the installation
If you're looking for a way to separate your work from your personal life, living off the installation might be right for you. Compare your housing allowance to your expected housing costs before you make your final decision. Once you've done your homework, you can choose between buying or renting a home.
Renting vs buying
So, you've decided to leave your work behind at the end of the day and live off your installation. Here's some information to think about:
Renting a home - If renting seems like a better option at this point, here are some things to consider before signing that lease:
- Get a lease agreement with a military clause.
- Know your rights. You have special legal protections when renting. See "Terminating Your Lease Due to Deployment or PCS" and visit your installation's legal assistance office.
- Buy renter's insurance. This will protect you and your property.
- Check the pet policy. Will they allow you to have a pet? If so, how much is the pet deposit? Check out policies governing specific breeds of dogs as there may be some restrictions.
Purchasing a home - If you've decided you want put down roots and buy, here is what you need to know:
- Figure out what it will cost to buy and maintain your home and any homeowners association fees, if applicable.
- Find a house that fits your family's size, lifestyle and needs.
- Plan what you will do if you are transferred or deployed.
- Go on a housing-hunting trip beforehand, if possible.
- Find the commuting times to your work.
- Check to see if the Military and Family Support Center or the housing office is offering a class on home buying.
The home buying process is a significant and exciting time so remember to give yourself time to make an informed decision. Check out the Relocation Assistance Program to make your next move a smooth one.