If I sign a lease on a house do I have to move out of the barracks?

2018-05-13T15:15:45-04:00

Response by SN Greg Wright made May 13 at 2018 3:38 PM

2018-05-13T15:38:22-04:00

I would check with your leadership before signing a lease, because I'm pretty sure Army regs require you to stay in the barracks unless you have a wife and or kids.

Response by SSG Scott McIntyre made May 13 at 2018 3:55 PM

2018-05-13T15:55:02-04:00

If you are not receiving BAH, you will be required to maintain a barracks room.

I had this same situation with a Soldier once. Just like 1LT Spencer Rapone stated your leadership not have to allow you to reside off the installation, even though you signed a lease. If you are squared away and are NEVER late, than most leaders wouldn't mind.

Thing is, you're a PV2, it is not financially responsible to attempt to maintain a household off the installation. Best advice: Save your money and invest in your future. If you are hell bent on trying to attain living quarters off post, talk to someone doing it in your area, there are a lot of costs involved.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made May 13 at 2018 5:13 PM

2018-05-13T17:13:07-04:00

Please tell us you have NOT signed a lease - nor bought a car - without getting guidance from your NCO's - I know it sounds like us NCO's want to tell you how to make decisions, but that is not the case - we want to protect you from sharks that prey on new and young privates who make you think they are looking out for you. Once you sign something - there is absolutely nothing we can do.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2018 5:17 PM

2018-05-13T17:17:41-04:00

If you get married you'll get BAH though.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2018 6:49 PM

2018-05-13T18:49:21-04:00

Im going to try to put it in simple terms. The Army Has to provide you a roof over your head, in most cases ONE roof. So, if you are single, with no dependents, that ONE roof is the Barracks. You have to maintain that "property" that you are responsible for. As long as you fit the requirements for Unaccompanied soldiers housing, YOU must maintain that property. If someone is telling you that if you don't live in the barracks room, you have to give it up. then take it up with your leadership to educate said person, or have them provide you with Basic allowance for Housing (BAH) Pay. FYI, if you are in fact PV2 and Single, no Commander/1SG/CSM is going to authorize BAH for You.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 13 at 2018 7:03 PM

2018-05-13T19:03:55-04:00

Unless you are married/drawing BAH- you will maintain a room in the billets- your gear will be stored there properly, and the 1st time you are late for anything- you will be living back in the billets, lease or no lease.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2018 7:42 PM

2018-05-13T19:42:29-04:00

No you don’t. But you won’t get BAH. If you’re married and will be getting BAH you will give up your room. If your unit has open rooms they could make you keep a room for inspections.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made May 13 at 2018 8:10 PM

2018-05-13T20:10:28-04:00

Check with your leadership at company level(Army) or Sqdn (if AF).. before doing it you should of conferred with them first to get
What you need to proceed ..

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 13 at 2018 8:18 PM

2018-05-13T20:18:46-04:00

I've gotta admit, that is an interesting question...

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 13 at 2018 9:01 PM

2018-05-13T21:01:13-04:00

Instead of leasing a house, find a month to month all-bills-paid room for rent some where in town. Ditto what others are saying about a lease. It could be a major financial disaster.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made May 13 at 2018 9:48 PM

2018-05-13T21:48:48-04:00

Why are you, an E2, looking to haul out of the barracks? It shouldn't even be remotely in your mind until you're a SNCO, and even then depending on the base where you're permanent personnel you could still end up staying in the barracks assuming you're single. Heck, even single commissioned/warrant officers have a barracks on some bases. Also, for the love of all things Holy: do NOT marry to get out of the barracks!!!

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made May 13 at 2018 10:07 PM

2018-05-13T22:07:10-04:00

I was Training NCO, had you spoke to your COC first, or at least your platoon SGT, before you did this.

1. You will be legal hook
2. Could result in an Article, if you’ve been trouble before
3. Your just E-2, unless you’ve been busted, and under a 60 to 90 review by Battalion.

This is more of the extreme case I’ve seen before. I would tell your Chain ASAP, to work through this issue before it come a situation.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 13 at 2018 10:18 PM

2018-05-13T22:18:39-04:00

If you signed a lease and you are married yes. If you signed a lease and are single you may have made a major mistake. In this case you would require permission to live off base, as you would otherwise not be afforded BAQ making your monthly lease as a private near impossible. So contact your supervisor immediately and determine which category you are in regarding quarters. If you signed a lease and you are not authorized BAQ you command may be able to get you out of it. Good luck and thank you for your service.

Response by SSG Jason Neumann made May 14 at 2018 12:06 AM

2018-05-14T00:06:52-04:00

I assume you (OP) are somewhat busy, since you haven't replied to these answers. My question, as the same with the majority is why you want to sign a lease for a house? Again, I am beating a dead horse, but unless you are married it would not be in your best interest to get a house. I am going out on the lam with this one, but are you and a bunch of others combining your efforts to get a place off post? Your rent, utilities, trash and repairs are already taken care of for you if you live in the barracks. Save your money man, live in the barracks. However, if you just got hitched and need a place, make sure you talk with your NCO's. They will give you the guidance, references and resources to get you in the right direction.

Response by SSG Brian G. made May 14 at 2018 12:28 AM

2018-05-14T00:28:43-04:00

No, you do not have to move out of the barracks. Generally the only time one is made to move out of the barracks is if the troop is married or has a child. Beyond that a troop is encouraged, if not outright ordered to stay in the barracks until they attain the minimal rank of NCO (E-5, in some cases E-4 Corporal.)

In every command I have ever been in, those that are not married and are E-4 and below have to receive direct command permission to move from barracks into housing. Never, EVER do so without contacting and conferring with your leadership first as once you sign that contract for that house then you are obligated to pay for it, even if Command tells you that you cannot move. Further, you are not going to be alloted BAQ/BAH/BAS simply because you signed a lease. If effect you have just taken on a significant note that you and you alone are responsible for and there is nothing the military can do to help you with it.

Don't be in a rush to move out of the barracks. Use that time and relish it. In due course you will reach a point where it becomes necessary to move out but do not be in a rush. It is not just a lease note that you have to pay once you do as you then have water, gas and electric to pay, not to mention the cost of food as now the mess hall is no longer as close as a quick jog.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2018 12:40 AM

2018-05-14T00:40:06-04:00

That all depends on your command. Unless you are married or have a child family member that you are responsible for the chances of you getting BAH and being allowed to move out of the B's is up to the Command. Chances are no but it is worth a try.

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made May 14 at 2018 9:56 AM

2018-05-14T09:56:31-04:00

First off what SSG Robert Perrotto said is completely and utterly true. Second off do not do business with Century 21 at their Killeen location. Those so-called realtors are some of the same “sharks” that the Staff Sergeant is talking about. One more thing, JAG are there to help you deal with them sharks; I’m talking from personal experience. Good luck.

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made May 14 at 2018 10:06 AM

2018-05-14T10:06:50-04:00

You should re-post your question by adding more details about your situation, that way we can give a better advice.

Response by SFC Carlos Cruz made May 14 at 2018 10:18 AM

2018-05-14T10:18:41-04:00

PV2 Daniel Churchill, first you need authorization from your commander to be allow to move out the barracks because if there is room on post you are NOT authorized to live off based due to your rank. Is difficult but is the rules.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2018 1:13 PM

2018-05-14T13:13:18-04:00

No you and your wife move into the barracks hooah

Response by SFC James Heath made May 14 at 2018 3:13 PM

2018-05-14T15:13:24-04:00

You probably have to “ maintain “ your assigned barracks area. Your Commander has authority to put you in the barracks at any time.

Response by SPC Gary Welch made May 14 at 2018 3:55 PM

2018-05-14T15:55:20-04:00

I think sag mcintyre is right stay in the barracks and save your money up and don't get sucked into a bad deal

Response by SPC Henry Francis made May 14 at 2018 11:23 PM

2018-05-14T23:23:52-04:00

There are sharks circling military bases looking for easy and collectible money from new troops. They’ll give you credit for and sign you up for just about anything because YOU are the collateral. If it is still as it was when I was in, the first place they’ll go if you fail to pay is your CO and you could get an article 15 and still have to pay everything you signed for. Don’t sign ANYTHING without getting some good advice. Your NCOs will have seen it all so trust them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2018 10:28 PM

2018-05-15T22:28:11-04:00

For God's sake don't sign anything until you talk to your NCO's. I did time at Hood, years ago, and those civvy folks are slick. They make you think they're looking out for you, but they are not. Get advice from those that have been at Hood ch longer than you, I'd start with Your 1SG.

Response by SSG Ricky Johnson made May 16 at 2018 6:51 PM

2018-05-16T18:51:18-04:00

I seem to remember that before any enlisted could rent a house or apartment, especially a lease, you had to go through the installation Housing Officer, first. The renter had to be on an approved list, or inv rstigsted that they should not be on the barred list. I do know this was really enforced in Europe.

Response by SFC Ernest Thurston made May 20 at 2018 12:37 AM

2018-05-20T00:37:20-04:00

I think the better question is, "If you are living in the barracks should you sign a lease?" The answer to that question is "No!" First you need permission to live off post. Second, if you do get permission then you need to get your housing allowance started. Before you sign a lease you need to inform your chain of command and I would also checking with JAG. Because you need to have a "military clause" in the lease to cover you if you get deployed or reassigned. Normaly unmarried soldiers E4 and below have live in the barracks unless the chain of command deems that the barracks are overcrowded. This situation is another example why there is a chain of command and why you should use it. It's so you don't make stupid expensive mistakes. In fact this question should have been brought to a squad leader before it ever hit this site. Contrary to this generation's belief Google doesn't know everything and your sad leader's name is not Facebook.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 7:44 PM

2018-05-22T19:44:59-04:00

Are u married

Response by SPC LaDene Culver made May 23 at 2018 5:06 PM

2018-05-23T17:06:08-04:00

Think before you act. You may be deployed, have to stay on base, or any number of issues. Put your predicted rent payment and related expenses in savings for 6 months to see what it is like to not have that money, and you will have achieved that really important fund for emergencies, or a future down payment on a house when you leave the service.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2018 8:28 PM

2018-05-27T20:28:22-04:00

I don't know about Army Regulations. However, TALK WITH YOUR CHAIN OF COMMAND FIRST! And IF (AND ONLY IF) you are authorized to live off post, go to post (base) legal office and have them take a look at the lease BEFORE signing anything.

Response by SPC Trevor Benart made Jun 11 at 2018 5:39 PM

2018-06-11T17:39:17-04:00

I've had guys in my unit get together (4 of them) and rent a house off post. They did not get permission, they had all there gear stored at there house. While having a barracks inspection they had nothing in there rooms. Our 1sg was pissed about this. All got counseling for it and were required to move into the barracks. They still had to pay for the house, luckily the guy was in the military himself just at another station and ended there contract no fees attached. If your married look for on post housing, schools neighbors and neighborhoods are way better. Plus no gate traffic to get to work.

Response by PO1 Tom Follis made Jun 20 at 2018 9:48 AM

2018-06-20T09:48:08-04:00

This has been occurring since I was a young recruit in 1970. If I were you, I think I’ll just stay on base and save my money. There are way too many sharks out there just waiting to take your money. Once you sign a lease you’re locked in and nobody can do anything about it.

Response by SSG Dale London made Jun 21 at 2018 4:57 AM

2018-06-21T04:57:46-04:00

Simple answer: you need to have you CO's permission to move out of the barracks. If you've signed a lease before getting this authorization and your CO says "no," you're screwed. You MUST live in the barracks and you MUST pay the rent on a house you cannot live in. This is true regardless of marital status. If the CO says you live in the barracks, you live in the barracks... and there will be no allowance for subsistence or housing.
Living off post is a privilege, not a right. True, it is normally not denied to a married soldier, but it can be and sometimes is -- all at the discretion of the CO.

Response by SSgt Hal Kiah made Jun 25 at 2018 11:44 PM

2018-06-25T23:44:23-04:00

Well, first, you signed a lease, which means you're indebted to that lease. If you truly cant afford it, you shouldn't have signed it in the first place and will have a fight on your hands on the legal end to have it invalidated. Look at your income first, then start finding out the particulars, ...how much is the rent, how much for utilities, groceries, laundry, lawn care, etc. Then figure out how to budget all that and have enough to get back n forth to base. If it doesn't balance balance out, then dont sign.

Response by Sgt Jeffrey Warner made Jul 15 at 2018 4:00 PM

2018-07-15T16:00:21-04:00

Living where you sign a lease is not required, unless the written lease states you must inhabit the property.
Paying the cost of the lease is required, if you live in the property or not.
A lease is a rental agreement, and is most often legally binding. You can be sued in civil court for failure to abide by the agreement you signed.
Never sign any legal document without fully understanding what you are signing, and what you will be required to do upon signing such agreement.
Military personnel are capable of being charged in a military court under the UCMJ, for failure to abide by a legal agreement outside of the military.
I suggest you ask the Provost Marshall about your obligations, and never sign anything without first asking for assistance in what it means.

Response by SPC Herb Jorgensen made Jul 23 at 2018 9:51 AM

2018-07-23T09:51:59-04:00

Why in the world would you lease off base when the barracks are free and all costs covered.If you want privacy when off duty get a hotel room.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2019 11:11 AM

2019-09-12T11:11:40-04:00

What if you’re dual military but you’re at different locations and your leadership told you to move out of the barracks, using your own money to get the place and tell you that you’ll get your BAH after, even though you asked to stay in the barracks. Housing then tells you that you have to be in the barracks and your leadership should of been tracking based on your rank and being a geo bachelor but you already have a lease and furnitures. Your commander is now telling you that she cannnot give you a Memo to get BAH and all she can guarantee (based on the conversation she had with Housing) is getting back pay for the few months I’ve been out the barracks up until the time she has on the memo. So I’m ordered to pack up and move back to the barracks and “figure out what to do with my stuff”, her words.. I honestly feel like she’s feeding me crap. When I went to turn in my paper to S1 they said all she had to do was give me a memo saying she authorize me to stay off post due to their mistake. But she’s saying no it would have to be approved by BC (even though S1 says that’s not the case and it’s all at company level and even the 1SG can approve it) she says no with a long story from who she asked about it and what finance and I to me. I don’t feel settled. I feel like she handed me the first easiest options that she came by not considering what I have to deal with. I think what I’m trying to ask is am I over thinking this decision or could she really have done more to help me since I didn’t just up and move, they told me to get out.