Military housing is military family housing and military unaccompanied housing on or near U.S. military installations. Military housing varies by rank, location and family situation. The Defense Dept. provides servicemembers a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to offset the cost of housing for those who do not receive government-provided housing. BAH is based on local area rental market data and varies by duty station, pay grade and dependency status. Private-sector companies own and operate about 99% of homes on military installations. Residents have long-complained of systemic issues with many on-base military housing run by many of these companies, including widespread mold, rodent infestations, dangerous wiring and shoddy repairs. The Defense Dept. has reported that many buildings which house military personnel are too old and have not been adequately maintained. Also, base housing is often too small for the needs of families, or inadequate for other people in the Service. Many families are forced to pay out-of-pocket expenses for better housing.

In 2018, Congressional hearings were held where military families testified about poor housing conditions. These hearings resulted in Congress mandating the Defense Dept. issue an 18-point tenant bill of rights aimed at providing families with more negotiating power with private companies and ensuring more oversight from the military services. But families continue to face issues with unhealthy living conditions at privatized housing, as well as unresponsive landlords and military officials.

Pending Legislation: S.2047 - Military Housing Readiness Council Act
Sponsor: Sen. Elizabeth Warren (MA)
Status: Senate Committee on Armed Services
Chair: Sen. Jack Reed (RI)