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 Navy Housing Welcome Center (NHWC) as early as
possible. Relocating personnel will find it is very difficult to locate
temporary housing during the summer and holiday periods.
The NHWC
provides assistance for military members and their families to locate suitable
housing in the Hampton Roads area. There are 5 NHWC in Hampton
Roads. Not all locations provide all services. An active database of
rentals and sales listing for civilian housing is maintained. In addition the
NHWC 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, Service members'
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
NHWC or Navy Legal to be advised of the new guidelines. If you have any problems
with your landlord, the NHWC has counselors ready to assist you with
landlord/tenant mediation issues.