by David R. Chase

Created on: August 19, 2010   Last Updated: April 20, 2011

Military housing rules and regulations vary by branch and location – but there are basic rules which apply to all military housing complexes that are directed by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Pets: Service members who choose to live on military installations are not permitted to own vicious dogs – and even though some people don’t consider Rottweilers and Pit Bulls vicious dogs, the military says they’re a no-go.  No matter what type of pet you own, living in military housing makes you responsible for any damage they do on your installation.

Maintenance: Military housing offices require that service members report any maintenance problems within 24 hours.  Service members are not permitted to attempt routine or emergency maintenance – you must call the housing office immediately to report problems.

Your housing office must address your concerns within a reasonable time frame, and most offer 24-hour emergency lines.

Cleaning: Service members are required to keep on-post homes clean and pest-free.  If there is a pest infestation, you must notify the housing office immediately so they can send exterminators to eradicate the problem. 

Occupants of military housing who do not keep a clean home can cause other service members’ homes to become infested with pests; if this becomes a problem in your neighborhood, notify the housing office immediately – by military regulation, they have to attempt to fix the issue.

Upgrades: Military service members are permitted to repaint the interiors of on-base homes as long as they return them to the original color and texture before moving out.  As with everything else, the military wants uniformity – so the pink walls in your daughter’s bedroom are fine until you move out.

When you are ready to terminate your lease with the housing office, you’ll need to schedule a walk-through.  During the walk-through, the property manager will evaluate the work you need to do before the home is in acceptable move-out condition.

If you fail to return the home to its original condition, you’ll be assessed restoration fees.

Other fees: Service members’ rent is automatically deducted from their monthly pay in the form of Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).  However, service members are responsible for any cleaning fees or repair fees assessed when they leave the home.

Damage caused by your own negligence is billable; damage caused by the housing office’s negligence and normal wear and tear are not.  Make sure you’ve got a good grasp on what you’re responsible to pay for – and if the property manager you deal with sees things differently, work with another property manager in the same office.

Generally, military housing rules are similar to those in civilian housing.  Most service members have a choice between living on or off their installation.  If the rules are too stringent, you’ll likely find something more to your liking off base.

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