Can I rent a house for short term without paying extra fee?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 13:58:19 -0400

Me and my fiance(will get married in 3 weeks) are both in army. She is in reserve and she will be graduating from her AIT in 2 weeks, and I have 4 more months to go to graduate AIT. I got an order to texas, so she needs a place to stay for 4 months before she moves to texas with me. I have been calling properties for short term lease to find a place for her, but it seems they are charging extra fee for short term. We are on budget so trying to minimize the rent fee. According to SCRA we are allowed to move out faster than the period stated on contract. Is it applicable in my situation too? Or shall I just tell them I did not get the order yet? (since I have not gotten my order yet. I just figured out my next station from doing "sponsorship")

Response by SSG Ernest Gonzales made Sep 14 at 2018 3:18 PM

SSG Ernest Gonzales — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 15:18:48 -0400

It is true that if you have orders prior to contract SCRA will not protect. It is best discuss with landlord or property manager prior to entering contract.

Response by SSG Ernest Gonzales made Sep 14 at 2018 3:21 PM

SSG Ernest Gonzales — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 15:21:21 -0400

Where are you going to need the short term rental at?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2018 6:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 18:25:35 -0400

Where are you trying to get a place? You will not be able to use the SCRA because you are already aware you will not be fulfilling the lease agreement. Majority of rental agency will charge more for among to month because you can leave at anytime and then they’re stick trying to re-lease. Where was your fiancé staying prior to AIT? It’ll be more cost effective if she’s able to stay with family until then. Next, make sure that you add your wife under your DEERS to ensure your orders reflect you’re married. If this does not happen you will definitely have problems with getting BAH/or housing because the system will still have you as single. I hope this helps.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Sep 14 at 2018 6:34 PM

SGT Tony Clifford — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 18:34:01 -0400

You could find a studio apartment with a month to month lease. Short term leases are typically more expensive because the landlord will have to start advertising the vacancy again after you leave. Your other option is to find a place that has a reasonable penalty for breaking your lease. Reasonable is relative and you're hurting for cash bad enough that a slightly higher rent will be bad, so breaking your lease would probably be worse. When you get married, ensure that your paperwork gets to S1 immediately. This will open up BAH for you and your wife. Good luck.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2018 12:03 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 00:03:51 -0400

If she or you receives orders to another state/duty station. You can terminate a lease early under the law.

Response by Jenn Moynihan made Sep 17 at 2018 1:02 AM

Jenn Moynihan — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 01:02:38 -0400

Have you talked to anyone at Military OneSource?

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-housing

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