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A housing search in an overseas location can generate feelings of confusion, frustration, and at times, anguish. These feelings can be greatly reduced by understanding the entitlements associated with relocations and the family housing assignment and referral processes.
All military and family members PCSing to the KMC area must report to the housing office within two days of arrival or attend the housing portion of the Combat Intro Briefing; whichever comes first. During the briefings, members are informed about the availability of housing and entitlements, beginning with Temporary Lodging Allowance.
TLA it is not an automatic entitlement and it is not intended to cover expenses incurred by members for their personal convenience. In fact, the rules clearly indicate TLA is authorized until quarters suitable for the member’s grade and family size become available, on base or off base, whichever is earlier.
If available, the housing staff is required to offer on-base housing to members on TLA. If the members decline the offer, TLA will be terminated on the date that loaner furniture would have been delivered to the unit, which is usually a few days.
Members whose housing needs cannot be met with government quarters must aggressively seek economy housing, document their search, and submit TLA claims in 10-day increments.
There are several reasons TLA may be terminated when members are seeking off-base quarters. The most common reason is for declining adequate private housing due to personal convenience, such as restricting searches to a specific school districts, freestanding homes, or pet friendly landlords.
Some customers elect to have a realtor do their housing search for them. When members choose to go to a realtor, they must realize that they do so at their own expense. Reimbursement for use of a realtor is only authorized when the housing office has no listings available within the member’s OHA ceiling, bedroom entitlement or one hour driving commute. Approval must be requested, in writing, prior to using the realtor.
The mission of the KMC Housing Office is to provide adequate and safe housing to all military and Department of Defense personnel. A staff of 15 Referral Agents work diligently to locate and list new housing assets for the KMC. Prior to listing, the staff inspects every house for suitability. They assist with rental negotiations to keep rents affordable and help off-base residents with landlord/tenant issues.
Customers can visit the KMC Housing Office, Bldg. 1001, Vogelweh, for assistance in finding a home, or to view listings visit, https://wwwmil.ramstein.af.mil/435abw/435ceg/435ces/cehecon?hsg?1st.html
For members with difficulties finding off-base housing, contact the Housing Referral Office at 489-6643/6659.
