PCS (Permanent Change of Station) Housing Guide
Everything you need to know about BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing), TLE (Temporary Lodging Expense), on-post vs off-post housing, and OCONUS (Outside the Continental United States) allowances, so you can make the best housing decision for your family.
BAH & OHA (Overseas Housing Allowance)TLE & TLA (Temporary Lodging Allowance)CONUS (Continental United States) & OCONUSOn-Post vs Off-Post
Understanding BAH
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is the bedrock of your housing budget. Here's what every service member needs to know.
BAH is based on the duty station zip code, NOT where you choose to live
You can live anywhere and still receive the BAH rate for your installation.
BAH with dependents is locked in once you have dependents
Even if your spouse moves away temporarily, you keep the with-dependents rate.
BAH does not change if local rents drop (rate protection)
Your BAH will never decrease below the rate you received when you arrived, unless you move or change dependency status.
Reserve/Guard members have different BAH rules
Part-time drilling members receive BAH only for drill periods. Check your orders for RC entitlement details.
Living in government quarters means zero BAH
On-post housing usually includes a "BAH absorption" where you pay rent equal to your BAH, you get nothing extra.
OHA (overseas) is separate from BAH and fluctuates with exchange rates
OCONUS rates are reviewed periodically and can change mid-assignment if local costs shift significantly.
On-Post vs Off-Post Housing
Neither is always the right answer. The best choice depends on your rank, family size, local market, and priorities.
On-Post / On-Base
Pros
- No long-term lease commitment, flexible with unexpected PCS orders
- Utilities often included (water, trash, sometimes electric)
- Maintenance and repairs handled by housing office
- Community of military families nearby
- Often closer to work, gate, commissary, and PX
- No need to find housing sight unseen from across the country
Cons
- You surrender your entire BAH, no opportunity to pocket the difference
- Waitlists can be 3–12 months at popular installations
- Less privacy and autonomy than private housing
- Quality and space varies significantly by installation
- Inspections and stricter rules for landscaping, modifications, pets
- Pet restrictions (breed bans, weight limits) are common
Off-Post / Off-Base
Pros
- Keep any BAH left over after paying rent, tax-free income
- More space for the money in many housing markets
- More pet-friendly options (no breed restrictions)
- Greater separation between work and home life
- Build rental history and local connections
- More diverse neighborhoods and school options
Cons
- Responsible for your own utilities, maintenance, and repairs
- Finding housing sight unseen is stressful and risky
- Longer commute to the installation
- Lease break can be complex (use SCRA (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) protections)
- No guaranteed neighbor community of military families
- Rental market near installations can be competitive and expensive
OCONUS Housing Allowances
Overseas moves use a different set of allowances than CONUS. Here are the key terms you need to know.
OHA (Overseas Housing Allowance)
The OCONUS equivalent of BAH. Covers rent, utilities allowance, and move-in housing allowance (MIHA). Rates vary by country and are updated periodically.
MIHA (Move-In Housing Allowance)
One-time payment to cover initial costs of renting overseas: security deposits, key money, and agent fees. Amount varies by location.
TLA (Temporary Lodging Allowance)
OCONUS version of TLE. Covers temporary lodging during your initial arrival or when waiting for permanent housing. Up to 60 days authorized in some cases.
COLA (Cost of Living Allowance)
Additional tax-free pay for higher cost-of-living areas overseas. Calculated based on location, rank, and number of dependents.
SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement)
Legal agreement between the US and host nation governing how service members are treated. Affects housing, vehicle registration, and legal protections.
OCONUS Weight Allowance
HHG weight limits are the same but you're also authorized a UAB (Unaccompanied Air Baggage) shipment to arrive faster. Critical for early months before HHG arrives.
PCS Housing Action Checklist
- Apply for on-post/on-base housing immediately after receiving orders, waitlists are long Critical
- Research BAH rates for your new duty station zip code at the official BAH calculator
- If renting off-post, use your SCRA rights to break your current lease with 30 days notice + orders Critical
- Request a housing referral list from your gaining installation's housing office
- Ask your sponsor or gaining unit Facebook group for neighborhood recommendations
- Verify pet policies, school districts, and commute times before signing any lease
- Confirm TLE authorization dates with your gaining unit before booking temporary lodging
- For OCONUS: submit OHA paperwork immediately upon arrival, backdating is limited
- Photograph every room before moving in and submit a damage statement within the required window Critical
- Update your address in DEERS, finance, and with the USPS as soon as you have a permanent address