My chain of command just announced that they're going to inspect on and off-post housing. What are they allow to inspect?

How did you learn of this inspection. Was it from an official memo, or through second hand sources. Is it possible your command wants to do a “ courtesy” inspection and it’s just being blown out of proportion?

I’ve read many of the comments and most make sense. Firstly, what are the SOPs, Installation, IMCOM Regulations say about this. One base housing is an IMCOM and Installation Commander responsibility. Offpost, That SOP should cover, what are they looking for, with examples, such ad frayed cords, gang outlets, flammable storage containers, whom is responsible for corrective actions and timelines. Reporting chain and remedies if not corrected. Most of the time, for noncompliance from a landlord, the Installation Housing Officer can place a ban on military rentals. What happens if they find illicit drugs or other forbidden items? This is a can of worms that was not well thought through. Lastly, that Commander had better have a regulation that allows this. Like the one poster said, he owns his own house, better have a warrant.

Hate to burst everyone's bubble. But if you live off post the Army is paying for it too. So a health and welfare can be done. Or you could always give back your baq.

I had seen a news clip of Military Wife who says that on Post Housing is in poor condition on one of the installations. It is a good idea to let them do an inspection. That way they can make recommendations to Post Command. As for off Post Housing I haven't heard your apartment or house being inspected.

They have no authority to enter your off post residence without your consent .
JAG may be able to help. Be aware your chain of command may make your life harder because you refused to comply to an inspection. Again JAG would be your best resource . Good luck.

This is a very complex issue with many ugly arms. 1st your Chain of command needs to be very careful with the exact wording used when inspecting anything (their JAG rep can proofread stuff, mine use to) While many are right that off post housing is kinda off limits. I assume DOD pays your BAH so that's their reach into your house but with limitations. Your a Noncommissioned Officer so you also have obligations to live up to in support of your chain of command. at the end of the day just make sure you confirm orders and do the common sense thing and always Take Care of Soldiers.

You have a recourse. Visit the IG and get feedback from them. As mentioned, it might be prudent to let them visit your house, as a guest, but they can remain in the living room and kitchen. There is a lot of emphasis on housing conditions and it could be your commander merely wants to make sure you and your family are safe. Just ensure they understand the bounds of your invitation. Perhaps you could ask them if they are looking for anything in particular.

They are checking if where you live is livable. This is due to some housing areas, mostly on base, have issues of mold, and other things that might cause people to develop ailments over time.

If you have nothing to hide, what's the problem?
You'll know when they are coming, fix them something to snack on and take the opportunity to learn and understand the vision of your COC. Get a peek into their life in a off-base atmosphere while using your home as the advantage point.
Thats just my opinion and it worked for me for just under 28yrs.
Good luck, remember that not everyone is out to get you.

If the off-post housing is government owned they have the right to do health and comfort inspections as if it were on-base housing. At least that was the case when I was still on active duty and I did exactly that when housing issues were brought to my attention.

Not sure, but if this is government housing you live in and you receive money to rent or military pays for your housing, it's quite possible inspections are authorized. When I was active not many fellows soldiers lived off base.

just hide the bong in the ceiling tiles

Generally off post housing cannot be inspected or searched in CONUS unless a warrant or probable cause for an exigent entry exists. There are exceptions, however. In a nutshell, in CONUS it depends on the lease, overseas on the SOFA and the lease as well (see Military Rule of Evidence 315(c)(3), 315(c)(4), 311). If the Service leases your off post housing, it can be considered an extension of government quarters and is as such subject to inspection or search, provided the inspection/search is reasonable under the conditions (Donnelly v. United States - United States v. Reppert). When reaching the courts, elements like the government rather than the individual leasing the property, language in the lease stipulating the right of the service to conduct inspections; government owned furniture, furnishings, appliances, etc. present in or at the location; any contractual liability for the government arising from the occupation of the location; the degree, timeliness, and frequency of inspection notices; along with the reasonableness of the inspection or search in terms of military discipline or order, are deciding factors in how far a Commander can go.

You may want to check with your local JAG. In ancient times, early 70s, it was allowed, especially during IG inspections.

Those are normal concerns, and your requests should be honored.

If you live on post as I understand it yes your quarters can be inspected and or searched at any time. If you live off post they can not inspect your quarters however remember they can make you move on post but they can not make your family move.

Call IG, you'll win.

It should specify in the court approved search warrant exactly what they can search and what they are looking for. Outside of that, they should vacate your property when you politely ask them to.

The chain of command is not coming out to inspect your on/off post housing like you do to inspect the Soldiers' rooms in the barracks. They come by your home to check if you live at the residence, if you have running water and electricity at your residence and that Uncle Sam's BHA is covering your rent and utilities. Basically the chain of command wants to ensure that the BHA is more than sufficient for quality of life.

Here is an article you might want to refer to but I would encourage you to speak with your local JAG or IG as well.

http://asktop.net/q-and-a/can-i-inspect-a-soldiers-quarters-or-off-post-housing-for-health-and-welfare/?all=1

Also consider the following YouTube Channel: Mentor Military https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj0IXu7SmA2wLoPrNAUfSZA