When it comes to applying for a new rental property, one of the common requirements from landlords or property management companies is a rental history. Rental history typically includes information about your previous rental experiences, such as where you have lived, how long you stayed there, and whether you were a responsible tenant. However, military personnel often find themselves wondering if their time in military housing counts as rental history. Let’s delve into this question and provide clarity on the matter.
Does military housing count as rental history?
Yes, military housing does count as rental history. Military personnel who have lived in military housing can include it as part of their rental history when applying for a new rental property. Landlords and property management companies typically recognize military housing as a legitimate form of rental experience.
Military housing can be considered similar to renting a private property, as it involves signing a lease, paying rent, and maintaining the property during your stay. While the structure of military housing may differ from civilian rentals, it still demonstrates your ability to fulfill the responsibilities of a tenant.
Here are answers to some related FAQs:
1. Can I include my military BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) as income when applying for a rental property?
Yes, you can include your military BAH as income when applying for a rental property, as it is a regular and steady source of funds.
2. Can landlords discriminate against military personnel when renting?
No, it is illegal for landlords to discriminate against military personnel based on their military status when renting properties.
3. Is military housing always free for military personnel?
No, not all military housing is free. Some military personnel receive a housing allowance called the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), which is used to cover the cost of renting or purchasing a home.
4. Can I include military housing and private rentals as separate entries in my rental history?
Yes, you can include military housing and private rentals as separate entries in your rental history to provide a comprehensive overview of your previous housing experiences.
5. Will my landlord contact the military housing office to verify information?
In most cases, landlords will not contact the military housing office to verify information. Instead, they will typically rely on the documentation you provide, such as lease agreements or payment receipts.
6. Can I terminate a military housing lease early?
Military personnel are often granted certain protections that allow them to terminate a military housing lease early due to deployments, permanent change of station (PCS) orders, or other military commitments.
7. Can a landlord evict military personnel on active duty?
No, it is illegal for a landlord to evict military personnel on active duty without obtaining a court order. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides certain protections for military personnel regarding evictions.
8. Are there any special programs for military personnel seeking rental properties?
Yes, there are various programs available to assist military personnel in finding rental properties, such as the Automated Housing Referral Network (AHRN), which connects service members with available rental properties near their duty station.
9. Can I include military housing from a foreign country as rental history?
Yes, military housing from a foreign country can be included as rental history, as long as you can provide sufficient documentation, such as lease agreements or payment receipts.
10. Can I use military references as part of my rental application?
Yes, you can use military references as part of your rental application to vouch for your character and reliability as a tenant.
11. Will my military rank affect my rental application?
While your military rank may not directly affect your rental application, it can indirectly impact your eligibility for higher housing allowances, such as the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), which can influence the rental properties you can afford.
12. Can I be denied a rental property due to frequent military relocations?
Landlords are legally allowed to deny rental applications based on factors such as income, credit history, and rental references. Frequent military relocations might introduce challenges in meeting these criteria, potentially leading to a denial in some cases.