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Renting involves more than choosing the right home or apartment
at the right price. It is important to be fully aware of every
decision that needs to be made and every possible cost. For
servicemembers some of these important factors are understanding
your command’s policy about living off the installation, seeking
a lease containing the military clause and determining your entitlement
to housing allowances.
The housing office is your required first stop for information.
Housing programs now include counseling services. The representatives
are familiar with acceptable leases in your new location and can help
you understand them. Prior to your move, the housing office will help
you obtain relocation information about housing at your new destination.
In addition, the housing office maintains lists of rental homes and
apartments. Consulting with the housing office will ensure that you
do not inadvertently select a landlord who does not comply with
Department of Defense policies on fair housing.
If you are a servicemember, you will be issued a monthly Basic Allowance
for Housing (BAH). If you are unable to find adequate housing within your
allowance, you will have to make up the difference.
If you are active or retiring military or a government employee,
your housing office will have prescreened listings. These listings
will give you a good idea of reasonable current rents. Do not forget
to check with friends and co-workers who live in the location you are
considering.
Privatized Military Housing
Privatized Military Housing is a program where military family
housing areas, on selected military installations, are operated
by private management companies versus the United States government.
In exchange for the servicemembers’ BAH, the management company serves
as the landlord and maintains the property. In essence, you are renting
the quarters from the management company.
Servicemembers moving into Privatized Military Housing should inquire
if rental insurance is provided by the management company. Even if rental
insurance is provided, amounts of coverage, types of losses covered and
the type of settlement (replacement value versus actual cash value) can
vary greatly between installations. You should read the rental insurance
contract carefully and determine if the coverage provided meets your needs.
If you determine there are gaps in the amount of coverage, types of losses
covered or the type of settlement (replacement value versus actual cash value)
a supplemental personal property or renters policy may be desirable.
Security Deposits
Rental expenses involve more than just monthly rent. In some cases, servicemembers
may pay a deposit or an application fee. Approved residences may guarantee that
rent will not exceed the servicemember’s BAH and offer a lease that includes a
military clause.
Most landlords ask for a security deposit in advance. Normally equal to 1
month’s rent, but sometimes up to 3 months’ rent, this money may be used
to cover potential unpaid rent, damage beyond “normal wear and tear” and the
cost of cleaning the rental after you leave. The cost of cleaning the rental
should be established up front. The landlord may also require first and last
months rent and a nonrefundable application fee of $25 to $35 to cover the cost
of obtaining a credit check. Some landlords may also ask for additional deposits
for pets.
For servicemembers who find it difficult to make these initial lump sum deposits,
no-interest loans are available specifically for this purpose. For more information,
contact Army Emergency Relief, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid
Society or Coast Guard Mutual Assistance.
The Military Clause
Servicemembers should insist that the lease include a military clause.
While military clauses may vary in their specifics, they generally allow
servicemembers to terminate leases for clearly defined reasons. Generally,
those reasons include discharge from the military or permanent change-of-station
to a destination at least 20 to 50 miles away. You may negotiate the specifics.
The local housing office can provide the military clause used in your
geographic location.
If a lease does not include a military clause and must be broken for
service-related reasons, the housing officer on the installation will
help the military renter avoid penalties associated with breaking the
lease. However, to prevent difficulties, ensure that your lease includes
a military clause.
Military renters should recognize that a military clause is not a
blanket permission to terminate the lease. It applies only to the
specific circumstances defined in the clause. In rare cases, landlords
may concede to clauses terminating your lease for nonmilitary-related
reasons, such as change in marital status or buying a home. Inquire
before signing a lease.
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