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Financial Entitlements
Financial Entitlements
Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) OHA is not like BAH, where you receive a fixed amount each month and keep the difference. OHA has a maximum amount based on rank and only pays for what’s in your lease. Any funds under your maximum allowance that are not used will be forfeited. After you finalize your tenancy agreement, send the Housing Office a filled-out DD FORM 2367, together with a copy of your signed tenancy agreement, to start your OHA.
Move-In Housing Allowance (MIHA) Miscellaneous MIHA Misc is a one-time payment authorized by the Housing Officer when you submit your first DD FORM 2367. This is intended for one-time purchases to make your dwelling habitable (transformers, utility connection charges, etc.). You are not required to submit receipts.
Utility/Recurring Maintenance Stipend & COLA Since utilities are expensive in the London area, you receive a monthly utility stipend. You will also receive a monthly Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) supplement to help offset daily costs.
CRITICAL: Advance Pay & Rental Deposits To help defray initial moving costs (primarily rental deposits, averaging ~$7,000), you can take a 12-month zero-interest pay advance. You are highly encouraged to take this advance. The DoD provides currency fluctuation protection only if you take a rental deposit advance. If the exchange rate drops and you lose money when your deposit is returned at the end of your lease, the U.S. government will reimburse your realized loss—but ONLY if you used the advance. U.S. Element Admin personnel will provide further details at check-in.
House Hunting Strategy
House Hunting Strategy
House hunting takes time. Don’t let anyone pressure you into taking a home you are not happy with. UK standards differ from the U.S. (smaller homes, older builds, lack of A/C), so keep an open mind and work closely with your sponsor.
Working with Agents: Each house is exclusively represented by a single agent, so you will interact with several. Give them your exact requirements. Bring something to take notes and get the full address of every property you inquire about—you will need this for your TLA forms!
House Hunting in Advance: There is no need to travel to Northwood in advance of your PCS. The command will give you the time you need to find a suitable home once you arrive.
The websites below are commonly used to see available housing in the London area.
Things to Consider When Picking a Home (Click to Expand)
Things to Consider When Picking a Home (Click to Expand)
Distance to Work/Schools: If using public transit, you want a home near a Tube station. Factor in school transport early.
Commuting Times: Look for direct rail lines to Northwood. The Oyster Card only covers up to Zone 6; living beyond that (e.g., near Heathrow) requires separate tickets. Check early train schedules if you stand watch.
Crime Rate: Go to www.police.uk and enter the postcode for comprehensive crime statistics and local patrol contacts.
Energy Ratings: UK law requires agents to provide energy ratings. Older homes cost more to heat with radiators, but many are upgraded with double/triple-pane windows.
Property Management: Homes managed by real estate offices are generally more responsive than independent landlords.
General Condition: Avoid houses needing major repairs. In your offer, you can demand curtains, floor repairs, or fences. The worst they can say is no.
Negotiation & The Tenancy Agreement
Negotiation & The Tenancy Agreement
Negotiation Tips Homes are seldom advertised at the minimum price; negotiation is expected. Be courteous, never hostile. Pitch your opening bid below what you want to pay, and always ask for more than you want. Know your criteria before starting.
The Inventory (Walkthrough) Before moving in, an independent inspector conducts a mandatory "inventory." Every nick or scratch must be in the report to safeguard your deposit. Make sure you negotiate to have the landlord cover the check-in inventory cost, as it is reimbursable on your MIHA claim (check-out inventory is not). Check the report carefully and add photos of any missed damage.
The Tenancy Agreement & Right to Rent Once terms are verbally agreed upon, get a draft of the tenancy agreement and email it to your Housing Office Counselor (Blenheim Crescent) for review. UK law also requires landlords to verify immigration status; the Housing/Legal Office will provide a letter proving your legal residency under the SOFA.
Deposits, Rent, and Insurance The standard deposit is six weeks’ rent (~$7,000). Deposits and rent must be paid from a GBP bank account via a "standing payment order." You will also need renter’s insurance (USAA has a London office and offers great rates).
What the Housing Office Looks For in Your Lease (Click to Expand)
What the Housing Office Looks For in Your Lease (Click to Expand)
Appropriate 30-day advance notice military break clause.
Fair provisions for your security deposit.
Precisely described obligations for you and your landlord, with no hidden charges.
Landlord contact information (required by UK law) in case of dispute.
A suitable renewal clause linked to the Retail Price Index (max 5-8% increase).
Acceptable timelines for completing necessary repairs.
Settling In: Utilities, Security & Admin
Settling In: Utilities, Security & Admin
Your Council & Council Tax Exemption Councils operate like U.S. county governments. Once you have a permanent address, visit your council's homepage to set up trash pickup and apply for public "State" schools.
Council Tax: U.S. service personnel DO NOT pay this tax. Within 4–8 weeks of moving in, you will receive a bill. Scan and email it to the Housing Office for a Visiting Forces exemption letter. (POCs: christine.fountain.1.gb@us.af.mil or debra.harrison.1.gb@us.af.mil).
Utilities & Maintenance Your agent will help set up gas, electricity, and water (usually cheaper to combine gas/electric). Payments must be made via direct debit from your GBP account. You must submit monthly/quarterly meter readings to avoid estimated bills. Repair costs in the UK are steep; report damages immediately in writing. Do not attempt repairs yourself without written permission.
Loaner Furniture The Housing Office can arrange loaner furniture/appliances with CFMO at RAF Croughton for up to 90 days while you wait for household goods. If your rental lacks certain appliances (refrigerators, washers, transformers, wardrobes), you may keep loaners for your entire tour.
Home Security Checklist (Click to Expand)
Home Security Checklist (Click to Expand)
Locks & Doors: Check for deadbolts, ground-floor window locks, and peepholes.
Lighting: Consider battery-operated motion sensor lights (with landlord permission).
Alarms: You can install alarm hardware for insurance discounts, even if you don't pay for monthly monitoring.
Detectors: UK regulations require smoke alarms on each story and CO detectors in rooms with solid-fuel appliances. Ensure they are tested and recorded at move-in.
Fire Extinguishers: Keep one in the kitchen and one near your grill/patio.
Gas Safety: All gas appliances must have an annual Gas Safe safety certificate provided by the landlord. Ensure you receive a copy at move-in.
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