The Housing Office can assist in your transition to the United Kingdom to make it as smooth as possible. By familiarizing you with the local customs and laws will take the guess work out house hunting. To ensure you receive the most updated information, please contact us immediately upon your arrival. The wait list time for military family housing (MFH) is approximately 6-12 months or more, depending on several factors, i.e., rank and number of dependents. The limited number of existing quarters makes it impossible to house all military families on base.
Finding suitable off-base accommodations within your housing allowance will undoubtedly be your highest priority. Your success in finding property that meets your needs depends on many factors, i.e. how much you want to pay and the area in which you want to live. Before you begin your search, we highly suggest you attend our off-base housing briefing, which is held twice a week on Monday and Thursday at 10.30. No appointment is necessary.
Services Offered
We provide rental information, referral listing, Driver service for viewing, on-site joint property inspections upon move in, assist with tenancy agreements for off-base housing and arbitrate disputes between members and landlords. We provide temporary loaner furniture and permanent appliances. Our staff will assist you with ANY housing related problems.
Government Housing
There are several types of government controlled military family housing currently administered by the RAF Alconbury Housing Office: 209 units are located on Alconbury and 28 at Brampton (about 7 miles from Alconbury and 10 miles from Molesworth - officers only) Government housing has both 240 and 110 outlets for your convenience.
Appliances
All MFH are furnished with an American-type refrigerator, range, washer, dryer, microwave and dishwasher. American or British appliances (washers, dryers and refrigerators) are available from the Furnishing Management Office (FMO) on a permanent loan basis for economy quarters for eligible personnel.
Community Economy Housing
The Housing Office displays an array of available off-base housing referral listings ranging from 2-5 bedrooms. Each unit is inspected for suitability prior to be listed. Off-base housing in the Tri-base community area is plentiful. The first month's rent is due on the day of move-in for all properties. For properties referred through the Housing Office, no deposit or "last month's rent" is due at signing based on our agreements with our represented landlords. We cannot offer this if you work through a Property or Estate Agent.
It is a fact of life that the majority of available rentals are smaller than most houses in the United States and most do not have closets and inside storage areas - please plan your TMO shipment accordingly and assume you will spend some duration of your tour in off-base quarters.
The relationship between military tenant and landlord is extremely important due to the fact that laws and customs regarding these relationships vary around the world. Therefore, before beginning your search for off-base housing, we highly encourage you to attend our off-base housing briefing held twice a week, Monday and Thursday at 10.30. No appointment is necessary.
You will receive Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) in lieu of Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). Your maximum OHA is based on accompanied status and grade/rank, but will never exceed the rental amount for the property you select. You may elect to choose a property that is above your OHA and that is permissible but you must cover the difference. Due to the different standards of construction, design, and available electric power; you will receive a Move-In Housing Allowance (MIHA) if you elect off-base economy quarters. MIHA is a one-time entitlement.
Utilities
You will be billed quarterly for most utilities or you may choose to have a standing order at your banking facility that pays a monthly estimate. The cost of utilities varies greatly depending on size of home, method of heating and actual usage. You will receive a set allowance in local currency to offset this cost based on your housing entitlement.
Dormitories
Dormitory accommodation is situated on RAF Alconbury. There is one permanent party dormitory for single/unaccompanied members and is single occupancy and is room-bath-room configuration. Each room is 180 square feet and is fully furnished with a range of fitted furniture: computer unit, writing desk, entertainment unit, full size bed, coffee table, recliner chair, full size refrigerator and microwave. Each building has a well-equipped kitchen and laundry room. All rooms have dual voltage outlets, ceiling fans, and window screens. Individual exterior doors have an electronic locking system. For inquiries concerning the dormitory program, please contact the Dorm Manager at DSN 314-268-3115 or the Unaccompanied Housing Manager. Your sponsor should pre-arrange your dorm room if you are <E-4 and <3 years TOS so you move directly into the dorm upon arrival. Dormitory accommodations for unaccompanied personnel >3 years TOS or >E-4 are space available only assigned upon request by your gaining commander.
If you have any questions or challenges, remember we are here to help you. Feel free to come and see us or give us a call.
Estate Agents
There are numerous realtors (known as "estate agents") that have available rental properties. Listings are available in the Housing Office as well as online at http://www.rightmove.co.uk. Renting (known as "to let") through estate agents requires two month's rent (one month's rent is the security deposit), a non-refundable application fee and a credit check fee; all monies are due on the day of move-in.