Service members relocating to the Hampton Roads area should be
aware that the region was added to the Navy's 2003 list of critical housing
areas, effective as of September 23, 2003. When moving to critical housing
areas, Navy personnel may leave their dependents at another location and draw a
housing allowance based on where their families are, rather than the new duty
station. Please contact the Housing Welcome Center (HWC) as early as possible.
Relocating personnel will find it is very difficult to locate temporary housing
during the summer and holiday periods.
The HWC provides assistance for
military members and their families to locate suitable housing in the Hampton
Roads area. There are 2 HWC in Hampton Roads, Southside and
Peninsula. Not all locations provide all services. An active database
of rentals and sales listing for civilian housing is maintained. In addition the
HWC offers the Rental Partnership Program (RPP), Landlord/Tenant Meditation, and
a Showing Service.
THE RENTAL PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: The Rental
Partnership Program was implemented to provide affordable housing and reduce
relocation cost for military personnel. The RPP provides a 5% discount off the
market rent. It is mandatory for participating members to pay rent by allotment.
A copy of PCS orders, LES and a CHIT (E1-E5, single without dependents, must
have a CHIT signed by an E7 or above authorizing the member to live off base)
are required to apply. A member may appoint a Power of Attorney (POA) to apply
on his/her behalf. Application paperwork is the same for a POA as the member. A
$32 fee may be charged for review of renter's selection criteria (credit check);
a $100 reservation fee, a security deposit and renter's insurance may be
required.
THE VIRGINIA LANDLORD TENANT ACT (VRLTA): In Virginia, a
military clause is inherent in all leases. The military clause was significantly
changed when President Bush signed a new law, Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act,
on December 19, 2003. A military member or his/her dependent may terminate a
lease based on Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or deployment orders (not less
than 90 days). A written notice with a copy of orders is required to terminate a
lease under the military clause. There are two manners in which to determine the
effective date of lease termination. Please contact a HWC or Navy Legal to be
advised of the new guidelines. If you have any problems with your landlord, the
HWC has counselors ready to assist you with landlord/tenant mediation
issues.