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Library > Fact Sheets > Housing
HOUSING
Posted 4/2/2013
Printable Fact Sheet
Overview
The Housing Office is located at Vogelweh, Bldg 1001. A Satellite Office is located on Ramstein Air Base, Bldg 2108. Both offices can provide you with the same type of services with the exception of certifying economy (off-base) contracts. Economy contracts can only be certified at the Vogelweh Office. Duty hours are 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Fridays. The Offices are closed on German and American holidays and from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month for training.
Vogelweh Housing Office, Bldg. 1001; DSN: 314-489-6671 Ramstein Satellite Housing Office, Bldg. 2108; DSN: 314-480-3140 86ces.cehhousingoffice@ramstein.af.mil
The KMC Housing Management Office assists military members and civilian employees collecting LQA, in securing a home on base or on the economy. This service is available to members who are command-sponsored or have an approved non-availability letter from the dormitories.
Accompanied members may choose to live in government-controlled quarters or may live in the community. Unaccompanied Air Force E-3s with less than three years of service and below must report to Central Dormitory Management, Bldg. 2413, room 175. Senior Airmen and above will reside off base. Unaccompanied Army E-6 and below personnel are required to live in Army Barracks. Please report to Army Unaccompanied Housing located in Bldg 3213 on Kleber Kaserne or contact them at DSN (314) 483-8643.
Housing Allowance
Instead of receiving BAH, while stationed overseas, if you live in the community, you will receive overseas housing allowance. It is adjusted to the dollar's value against the Euro. Rent caps for economy housing are established by rank. A member will either receive his/her rent or his/her rent cap, whichever is the least. You will also receive a monthly Utility allowance that will help pay your utility costs. Another allowance you will receive is the move-in housing allowance (MIHA). This is a one-time allowance that is received when first renting a house on the economy. It is designed to defray the setup cost of moving into a house to include transformers, curtains or any other items needed to furnish your house.
Information on rates and allowances http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/
 TLA Procedures
Temporary Lodging Allowance is an entitlement to help defray the cost of lodging while seeking perment housing. TLA is closely monitored and certain criteria must be met to continue to receive TLA. Members will be briefed on their TLA entitlement and their responsibilities at their newcomers briefing. So it is very important to get your briefing immediately upon arrival. With a reservation, Services generally blocks 30 days for a Temporary Living Facility room. After that it is space-available. But reservation policies are up to Air Force Inns. TLA is authorized for payment while member is "aggressively seeking housing"
-- The housing office has authority to approve TLA up to 30 days; up to 60 days requires approval from the 86th Civil Engineer Squadron commander
-- TLA extensions will not be allowed when listings are available within a service member's bedroom entitlement, OHA ceiling, etc. Note the bedroom entitlement is less than many people prefer and does not distinguish between apartments, duplexes, stand-alone houses, etc.
-- Pet issues and school districts are not justification for TLA extensions beyond 30 days.
Furnishing/Appliances -- FMO
The Furnishings Management Office will provide large appliances (washer, dryer, refrigerator) for you for the length of your tour. Many people end up storing furniture after they arrive or selling their excess items as houses, apartments and rooms themselves are often smaller here than in the United States, so you may have more furniture than you need or have space for. Think before you put items in storage. If you can do without these items for three to five years, are you better off selling them now? A five-year-old television you store will not be worth as much when it is a ten-year-old television. Save yourself the hassle and the government some money (for storage expenses) by selling or donating your unneeded possessions before you move.
Another feature of German living quarters is the lack of closets. The FMO will issue wardrobes for your use. The number you are authorized depends on the size of your family. If you have a lot of clothes, you might consider purchasing portable wardrobes, under-bed chests, or similar storage units to augment the wardrobes.
OFF-BASE HOUSING
Approximately 11,000 rental units are scattered throughout 300 villages within a 20-mile radius of Ramstein AB and Kaiserslautern. One, two and three bedroom units are available. There are units with four bedrooms and higher, but are somewhat more difficult to find. Many landlords do not allow pets, so ask before making any commitments.
REALTOR SERVICES
German Realtor (Immobilien) services are not usually required; however, in some incidents with larger families that require houses with 4 or more bedrooms, you may need their services. We also have members of the Housing staff that can assist you in securing housing on the economy without needing the services of a realtor. Immobilien charge a finder's fee, usually one to two month's rent and reimbursement by the government is usually limited to one month. You must request prior authorization and be approved for reimbursement through Housing Management before signing a contract with an Immobilien.
For more information on housing, check out the below links:
Prearrival Housing Info
Government Housing
Community Housing
Utilities
Automated Housing Referral Network (AHRN)
German Landlord Tenant Law
Newcomer's main page
86th AW Public Affairs
DSN: 314-480-9196: Comm: 011-49-6371-47-9196
86aw.pa@ramstein.af.mil
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