While living in the local area can be an exciting adventure, housing may cost more here than where you currently live. Generally speaking, the closer you live to downtown DC and the northern Virginia area, the more costly it becomes.
When you sign your lease, in addition to paying the first month's rent, many rentals require a security deposit equal to a month's rent. Another charge may include the cost of a non-refundable credit check.
Monthly rent for a typical one-bedroom unit could run from $900 to $1200 and for a two-bedroom unit from $1100 to $1500, while a four-bedroom single-family house may rent for up to $3,000 per month.
Air Force: Air Force members assigned to the Air Force District Washington, to include the 11th Wing, regardless of actual duty location, are required to process through the Bolling AFB Housing Office before they enter into a housing rental agreement.
The National Capital Region (NCR) covers an area from Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and the middle to Southern parts of Maryland. The Housing Office maintains some of the many rental and sales listings throughout the NCR and can provide up-to-date information for both on- and off-base housing availability. There is a wide array of choices that range from detached single-family homes, town houses, condominiums, and apartments.
Bolling's benchmark Rental Partnership Program (also known as the Military Set Aside Program) was established in 1991 and was designed primarily to assist newcomers in getting settled into this high cost of living area. The 11th Wing partners with apartment management companies who will wave application fees, security (or move-in) deposits, and credit checks. In return, service members agree to pay their rent by allotment and in most cases the rent is equal or lower than the member's BAH.
Army: If you need relocation and/or housing information prior to arriving, this area has a Center for Area Information and Referral (CAIR) provided by the Relocation Assistance Program located in Army Community Service.
All newly arrived military personnel should report to the Housing Office located in building 416, Fort Myer, VA, prior to signing a lease or entering into an agreement with local agencies. Services provided consist of listings of private homes, townhouses, and condos for rent or purchase, a list of hotel/motels, furniture rental brochures, VA information, and area maps.
The Set-Aside Housing Program provides affordable housing (apts/some Townhouses) and eases the cost associated with locating housing by waiving the application fees and security deposit. Rental rates are reduced and are paid thru payroll allotment. Approximately 40 apartments participate in the program.
Marines: One of the best ways to locate your new home is to visit the Housing Referral Office in Building 414 at Anacostia Naval Station, the Housing Referral Office in Building 416 at Fort Myer (next to Henderson Hall), or to visit your Relocation Office in Building 1 at Henderson Hall. All three have Set Aside Housing Programs for active duty military personnel. Set-Aside Housing is an agreement between the command and specific property management companies to assist military members with acquiring suitable housing in the community at reduced rates. Through this program application fees, credit checks, income requirements and security deposits are waived. (This waiver saves the military member a considerable amount of money.) The monthly rent must be paid by military allotment, initiated by the service member, to the property management company. The military member must be able to fulfill a one year lease agreement. Check with one of the offices listed above to get a list of the apartments available in the area you wish to reside.
You are also eligible to use the Center for Area Information and Referral (CAIR) program provided by the Relocation Assistance Program located in Army Community Service, Fort Myer. They have a contract with Cendant Mobility to assist with Buying a home in this area. Please call 1-800-477-9571 or DSN 426-0026 for more information.
Navy: The Rental Partnership Program allows military members to receive discounted rental prices at certain apartment complexes. The participating apartment complexes also waive the security deposit, application fee, income requirement and credit checks. Contact the Housing Office for additional information.