On-Base Housing: Resident Obligations

Since it is believed that military quality of life is a part of military readiness, the Department of Defense provides for various housing options, including on-base housing. The process to obtain on-base housing is not very arduous, but once in on-base housing, military members, and possibly their families, have specific responsibilities when occupying on-base housing.

Not A Question of Rank

While your pay grade and/or rank can impact your housing choices, it does not exempt you from complying with the basic obligations to maintain and care for their specific on-base housing. Obligations to seed, water mulch, trim, mow apply to all who do not want to risk eviction.

Head of the Class

Anyone needing to learn and understand the rules of conduct, soldiers must complete a class from their duty locations Housing Office. Some bases or duty locations may have Housing Learning Centers, which offer basic classes. The primary function of the housing class if to let soldiers and their families know the rules for living in on-base housing and their obligations for remaining in on-base housing. Classes may vary, but cover expectations as well as general procedures for seeking repairs and assistance.

Great Expectations

Soldiers and in when appropriate, their families, are responsible for the cleanliness and general maintenance of their living quarters, whether privately or government owned. Maintenance can include lawn care, keeping homes bug free, removing oil and grease spots from parking areas and driveways, removing debris and keeping premises in good condition. Damage caused by the resident, resident's guest or even resident's pet is that soldier's responsibility to repair. If cleanliness is a challenge, hire someone to clean for you or use the cleaning service contracted by your housing office.

Violators of the military housing rules will be issued notices to remedy any problems. Depending on base policy, residents risk eviction if they receive too many notices for repairs or housing rule violations.

Inspections

Housing inspectors will perform regular inspections in order to monitor residents' compliance. Depending on a soldier's duty assignment, inspections can occur weekly, monthly, or at the end of a tour. Generally, housing is inspected at the time of moving in, settling in, and moving out Inspections are tough. Considering the expense of repairing and maintaining military housing, which can be in the billions of dollars, they should be. While housing inspections may strike fear in a soldier's heart, knowing the expectations of the base and inspector will make your work easier.

Emergency Preparedness

Disaster strikes everywhere, even on military bases. Other than enemy attacks, Mother Nature can create devastation through tornados, fires and hurricanes. Natural disasters can result in injuries as well as property damage. For on-base residents, emergency preparedness must be practiced. In cases of potential flooding or hurricane damage, exteriors of homes need to be protected. In cases of severe weather conditions, blizzards and tornados, personal care and safety are to be exercised.

Code of Conduct

When you live in on-base housing, you are part of a community. Mutual respect and consideration should be the order of the day and are part of your obligations to remain in on-base housing. Complying with housing rules and regulations help make sure your on-base community remains a safe environment. As in the civilian world, disorderly behavior, reckless behavior and inconsiderate behavior can have consequences which can result in eviction and/or criminal charges. Either could disrupt your family and your military career.

Beyond the military's investment in a solder's training, the military also seeks to provide fair and equitable housing. Living on-base has many advantages, but it comes with obligations for maintaining a clean and safe home. In the long run, honoring one's responsibility to care and maintain their military resident saves time, money and aggravation.