How to Get Military Housing
The thrill of serving one’s country comes with its perks, and for those who choose to enlist or commission, military housing is often one of the many benefits that come with serving. Military housing, also known as on-base housing, is provided by the US Department of Defense to serve as a home for active duty and selected civilian personnel.
Who is Eligible for Military Housing?
Before diving into the details of how to get military housing, it’s essential to understand who is eligible for it. In general, the following categories are eligible for military housing:
• Active duty personnel, including officers and enlisted members, with dependents (spouse, children, etc.)
• Select civilians employed by the Department of Defense (DoD), Defense contractors, and federal government agencies
• Survivors of fallen service members receiving compensation and benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Veterans who are undergoing medical treatment or are residing at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Types of Military Housing
There are various types of military housing available, including:
• Base Housing
This is the most common type of military housing, typically consisting of single-family homes, townhouses, apartments, and dormitories.
• Unaccompanied Housing (UH)
UH is available for single personnel (Sailors, Airmen, Soldiers, etc.) who do not have dependents. It includes shared rooms and private dorms.
• Condo and Townhome Ownership
Some military bases offer the option to own condominiums or townhomes on-base. This comes with the benefits of long-term investment and the option to sell.
• Mobile Home and Manufactured Home Rentals
Some military bases have mobile home or manufactured home parks, which provide an alternative to traditional military housing.
• Unfurnished Housing
Many military bases offer unfurnished housing, where service members can choose their own furnishings or lease appliances from military-approved providers.
Application Process
So, you’ve met the eligibility requirements, and you’re now eager to apply for military housing. Here’s what you need to know:
• Find Your Assigned Base Housing Office
For active duty personnel, start by finding your assigned Base Housing Office (BHO) or the military housing office nearest to your unit.
• Request for Assignment
Request assignment to military housing by filling out the DD Form 2929 (Application for Temporary Lodging Expense/Leave Accommodations).
• Verify Availability and Space Allocation
Contact the Base Housing Office to check for available spaces and the current waitlist. In many cases, there’s a space allocation process in place to ensure equal access for all eligible personnel.
• Signing a Lease (If Applicable)
Once your application is processed, you’ll be invited to sign a lease outlining the terms and conditions of your military housing stay. Remember to review and agree upon all the details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To provide more insight into the application process and what to expect, here are some commonly asked questions:
| Q: Can I bring pets into military housing? |
| A: Yes, most military bases permit pets, but some have specific requirements, restrictions, or pet deposits. |
| Q: Do military housing facilities offer laundry and recreational facilities? |
| A: Yes, many military housing facilities include shared laundry rooms and community recreational areas. |
| Q: Are appliances furnished in military housing? |
| A: Generally no, service members can choose their own appliances, or lease them from authorized providers. |
Key Takeaways
When navigating the military housing system, keep these essential tips in mind:
• Familiarize yourself with your military base’s specific rules, regulations, and application procedures.
• Verify eligibility requirements and the types of military housing available on your assigned base.
• Contact the Base Housing Office to explore options, verify availability, and address any questions or concerns.
• Always read and understand the lease before signing.
• Stay proactive, as waitlists may be long, and keep in mind that base availability and allocations may change frequently.
By following these guidelines, understanding the various types of military housing, and being proactive, service members can find their ideal base housing solution and make their military service experience a positive one.
