BAH, Air Force Housing information

BAH
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is an entitlement granted to Airman who wish to live in privatized housing or in the local community and are eligible to do so. Airman who are eligible to receive BAH include Airmen with dependents and E-4 Airmen who have more than three years of service. The monthly amount of BAH varies from location to location.
Unaccompanied E-1 through E-3 and E-4 Airmen with less than three years of service are required to live in the dorms on base. These Airmen are not eligible to receive BAH.
Privatized Housing
Privatized housing are military housing communities that are managed by private sector property management companies. Airman and families who wish to reside in privatized housing must contact the local Air Force Housing Management Office (HMO) for details on the application process.
Privatized housing is similar to living out in the community. Tenants sign a one year lease agreement that covers fees, terms and conditions. Paying for privatized housing requires the tenant to setup a monthly rental allotment payable to the property manager.
Privatized housing offers many of the same amenities you would find in local community neighborhoods such as green spaces, pavilions, play areas, biking/jogging paths and more.
Local Community Housing
Finding housing out in the local community is another option for Airmen and families. Contacting the local HMO should be your first step when seeking residence off-base.
Through the Rental Partnership Program, the HMO partners with local realtors, landlords and property managers to provide quality, affordable housing for Airmen and families.
Through the partnership program, in most cases, lessors will waive typical fees such as security deposits and application fees.
Unaccompanied Housing
This type of housing is reserved for E-1 through E-3 and E-4 Airman with less than three years of service. These Airman are unaccompanied meaning that they have no dependents. While living in UH, Airman are not eligible to receive BAH.
E-4 Airman with more than three years of service may live in UH if rooms are available.
UH Dorms typically consist of a private living space for Airman with a shared bathroom. Amenities such as day-rooms, laundry facilities, outdoor activity and picnic areas are commonly found near UH dorms.
Tip for Spouses
Having power of attorney for your Airman can help speed things along, especially if a move will occur while your Airman is deployed.
Use the BAH Calculator To determine the housing allowance for your duty station.
For more details about housing, contact your local Housing Management Office or visit the official Air Force Housing website.
Sources: http://www.housing.af.mil/faqs/ http://www.housing.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-111107-130.pdf
Support the development and construction of the new Airman Heritage Museum at JBSA-Lackland with a purchase from the Basic Training Store. For more info visit the Air Force Enlisted Families website.