Lincoln Military Housing | Common Questions

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General Questions

Is renter’s insurance included with my BAH?

Renter’s insurance, which is paid by Lincoln with a $250 deductible, is included, and covers your personal belongings up to $10,000. It is strongly recommended that all residents obtain additional coverage from their agent as most residents have total contents valued far above the $10,000 covered within the Lincoln policy. This is only a brief summary of the coverage and deductibles, please contact your District Office for a full description of the policy.

How do I know which housing I qualify for?

Your choices will depend on your rank and the number of dependants in your family. The Housing Office at your specific [military installation] will give you your options when you contact them.

How do you set the rent amounts?

Rents are based on the Basic Allowance for Housing, or BAH. Currently, your BAH covers both your rent and utilities at all Lincoln Military Housing communities. Each year a review is conducted by the DoD for the housing markets near each installation. Once determined by the DoD, the BAH is adjusted according to market conditions, and reflects the average cost of housing based on zip code. It is then adjusted on an annual basis as market conditions change. For more information on BAH, visit http://perdiem.hqda.pentagon.mil/perdiem/

Will I need to start paying for utilities?

Some PPV Housing areas have begun to charge for utilities. Please be aware that the DoD is currently looking at a formula that will allow all Public/Private Venture, or PPV, partners to receive reimbursements from those service members who have excessive utility consumption, and provide incentives for residents who conserve. Please check with the Lincoln Military Housing office at your community to find out the current policy.

When will metering be done?

Lincoln will install meters in new homes under construction as well as with existing homes under renovation. We do not yet have a specific timetable for this, or for installing meters at homes that do not require renovations.

How much will the utility allowance be?

As of now, most family housing homes do not have utility meters. Until meters are installed, utilities will be included in the rent amount you pay Lincoln, the total of which is equal to your BAH.

At some point in the future, Lincoln may install utility meters in each home, and track consumption. Details of this have not yet been finalized, but we will notify residents well in advance.

Please note that when the DoD establishes the BAH amounts for your area, it includes a reasonable amount for utilities.

Will residents be responsible for common-area lighting?

No.

Does Lincoln Military Housing require a security deposit?

No. Lincoln does not require a security deposit for your home. However, if you are approved for a pet, it may require a deposit for your animal. A one month rent security deposit is required before moving into your home if you choose not to pay by allotment.

Does Lincoln Military Housing require a credit check?

No. Lincoln does not require a credit check to qualify for housing.

Will I have a choice of homes? What if I don’t like my choices?

You may or may not have a choice of where you can live, depending on your military installation and the number of people in your household. Some installations have the luxury of a waiting list if you prefer to wait until another home is available, while others will put your name at the bottom of the list if you turn down what is offered. This is controlled by the Housing Office, so be sure to check with your Base Housing Office for more information.

What exactly is Privatized or Public/Private Venture housing?

Privatized housing is also referred to as Public/Private Venture, or PPV, housing. It is owned by a private partner and governed by a business agreement in which the DoD has limited rights and responsibilities. The private entity is responsible for managing the construction, renovation, maintenance and day-to-day maintenance along with services of the community. PPV housing may be located on or off government property, and may be former military housing.

Why has the DoD decided to privatize housing?

The DoD has mandated that all Military Housing will be privatized before the end of this decade. The reason behind this mandate is that private partners are able to more efficiently build, renovate, and manage housing, and at less expense than the government. The private partners are also incentivized to provide quality products, management and services. The success of these partnerships is tied to the number of service members who choose to live in installation housing, and therefore, the private partner has incentives to keep the homes and surrounding grounds well maintained and the residents pleased.

Must a service member live in privatized housing if it is available, or risk losing his or her housing allowance?

No. Like all military family housing, service members are not required to live in privatized housing (PPV), and may use their BAH to pay for private sector housing. The DoD’s goal is to create privatized housing developments that are places where military members will want to live. This is accomplished by building new housing and/or renovating existing housing, and providing services and amenities that prove important to military families. If the Service Member elects to live in PPV Housing, the BAH is paid directly to the private partner when an allotment is initiated.

If PPV deals last for 50 years, how will the DoD ensure they are being managed properly?

The DoD has designed a portfolio management and monitoring tool for the purpose of monitoring PPV property management. Named the Program Evaluation Plan, or PEP, it is a semi-annual reporting system that includes detailed information submitted by each of the Services to OSD regarding their portfolios of MHPI projects, including information about deal structures, government costs, use of government authorities and on-going program performance. OSD uses this information to monitor the program’s progress, to perform financial and performance oversight, and to implement program improvements. However, each service and installation military personnel is responsible for making sure that the developers are complying with the conditions stipulated in their contracts.

Assignments/Referral/Vacating Questions

What happens if my family size increases?

If your family size changes, you need to go to the base Housing Office to be placed on the proper referral list.

Do officers get priority or larger units and leave lower enlisted with the smaller units even though the lower enlisted may have a larger family?

Referrals are based on family size and grade, and families will not typically be offered homes that are larger than their needs, except in the few instances of Command billet designated homes.

We have a family with 7 children and need the largest unit possible. Are we assured we’ll get a large unit?

The home you are offered is based on family size and what’s available. Housing will assign you to the appropriate home to meet your family size. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that a large home will be available. You do, however, have the option of being placed on the waiting list if one is not immediately available.

How does the waiting list process work?

Eligibility is determined by the Base Housing Office. The Service Member is then referred to Lincoln who manages the wait list based on home availability.

Am I paying more for a home of the same square footage because I am a higher rank?

It is possible. You are required to forfeit one BAH for your PPV home.

Will have to forfeit both BAHs if we are dual military?

If more than one service member in a family is receiving a BAH, the higher of the two BAHs with dependants will be used to pay for housing and the second BAH will remain for the family’s use.

Are there special construction requirements for family members with physical disabilities, and is this being considered?

Federal laws require that when constructing new homes a percentage of them must be built to Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, requirements. Lincoln Military Housing strictly adheres to all federal and state construction requirements.

Will there be non-military civilians living on the base?

This is very unlikely since non-DoD civilians will be the last priority. However, should occupancy rates drop so low that all interested eligible military personnel decline PPV housing, the partnership will evaluate whether these home should be retained as Navy family housing units.

The partnership will keep the homes occupied, and they will be offered to personnel according to a priority list that puts Active Duty first and non-DoD civilians last. The details of the priority list are found in OPNAVINST 11101.13 series.

Who will inspect my home when I vacate?

Lincoln Military Housing is responsible for the inspection of your home when you depart to ensure it is clean and free of damage. If damages exist, you will have to pay the appropriate charges. At your request, the Base Housing Office will work with the PPV property manager to ensure residents are being treated fairly. In almost all instances the property manager will schedule a pre-move out inspection which should eliminate any surprises upon final move out.

BAH/Rent/Payroll/Deposit Questions

Will residents of PPV Housing start collecting BAH?: Yes. Military families living in PPV Housing will collect the Basic Allowance for Housing, or BAH. If you are currently living in base housing and forfeiting your housing allowance, this entitlement will be reinstated upon moving into PPV housing.
Is it possible to attain an authorized BAH advance?: Please check with your local personnel department concenrning advance BAH.
What will be my responsibility in paying the lease?: The military member is responsible for signing the lease and making the monthly payments, preferably by authorizing an allotment or EFT. If payment is made by allotment, then there will be no security deposit. If a member chooses to pay by check, we require a security deposit in the amount of one month’s rent and the rent must be paid in advance rather than in arrears. There are some installations that only accept payment by allotment.
Is payment by allotment or Unit Diary possible?: Yes. If you indicate your desire to pay by allotment or Unit Diary on the lease, the Housing Office will be able to start the payment for you.
If PSD were ever delinquent with processing BAH, would the service member be penalized if the BAH doesn’t go through in time?: No. But the service member is responsible for rent until the allotment or UD begins. In many instances, the BAH starts prior to the allotment or UD. You must be careful when BAH does start, and save this money to make your rent payments. Failure to have adequate rent money because you spent it means you are in violation of your lease agreement.
What if the allotment or EFT is taken from the member’s account before the BAH hits the account?: If the paperwork is done properly, this will not happen. Notify Lincoln if an error has occurred and we will work with you to rectify the problem.
If you use the allotment system and it posts late, is this a problem?: No. This is not a problem in the short term. If this is a recurring problem, you must request PSD to correct it.
How will families pay rent and utilities if both members are gone for a long length of time (both out to sea, TAD, etc)?: You must make arrangements to ensure payment of rent and utilities. We strongly encourage that you pay rent by EFT or allotment, yet payments may be mailed.
What will the tax impact be on those families where a spouse carries a second job, regarding income taxes?: None, since BAH is non-taxable.

Lease Questions

Will I be required to sign a lease?

Yes. Every resident of Lincoln Military Housing will be required to sign a six-month, renewable lease. The Base Housing Office and Lincoln will assist with all paperwork. Should a member choose not to sign a lease, he or she gives up the privilege to occupy PPV military housing.

Why do I have to sign a lease?

Lincoln Military Housing is a private company that owns the PPV housing. Therefore by state law, Lincoln is required to provide a legal document. This document will protect both the owner and the resident by defining the terms of the agreement. While the DoD retains a voice in the management of PPV Housing, the private company legally owns the homes. This is the same as if you were renting from an individual or other company in the private sector.

How will the member sign the lease and other PPV documentation if a military member is at sea during the transition period?

You must designate a power-of-attorney in advance. Please see the Base Legal Services Office if you might be deployed during the transition.

Will a "general" power-of-attorney be acceptable for lease signing, or will a “specifically-designated” one be needed?

You may use either a general power of attorney, or POA, or a special power of attorney to authorize someone else to sign the lease if you are unavailable to do so in person. A general POA permits a third party to act in your name for most purposes, including, but not limited to, signing contracts. A special, or "limited,” POA authorizes your attorney-in-fact to take only those actions described with specificity in the POA. A special POA is mandatory for certain things, such as the purchase or sale of real estate, and the third-party with whom you or your attorney-in-fact is dealing, may insist upon a special POA.

For purposes of signing the PPV lease, a general POA will suffice, but by DoD regulation, a special POA is mandatory to start a pay allotment to the landlord for your rent payments. Therefore, if you intend to pay by allotment, you may conclude that a special POA for both purposes is preferable to a general POA, as a general one would grant broad powers and be subject to abuse. Please understand that this answer does not constitute legal advice. You will need to contact your Navy Legal Services Office for further consultation and documentation preparation.

I may want to break my lease before the initial lease period is up. Under what conditions may this occur?

The initial lease period will be six months. After that, leases will automatically renew on a month-to-month basis. The standard military clause will be included in all PPV Housing leases. This clause enables you to terminate a lease early after providing a 30-day notice if it is due to a military orders. No additional penalties will be accessed if you terminate a lease early under the military clause. In some areas, if you are purchasing a home, you may break your lease after providing a 30-day notice and producing a copy of a signed contract for the purchase of a home.

What happens if a military member has less than six months left before PCS-ing?

The member may sign a lease term up to their PCS date.

If a military member gets immediate orders, can he or she move out without a 30-day notice?

The standard military clause permits early termination of the lease, yet we still require a 30-day notice. Exceptions will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Are sub-leases allowed?

No. Sublease of Lincoln Military Housing homes are not allowed.

Maintenance Questions

How is maintenance funded under PPV?: Lincoln Military Housing will perform all maintenance for each community it serves, using a portion of the money it receives from rent payments. Some funds will also be set aside for annual preventive maintenance, periodic renovations or unusual requirements.
If maintenance isn’t satisfactory, who can we talk to discuss our concerns?: First, call the Lincoln Military Housing Office for your community and speak to the community representative. If the problem persists, please call the Lincoln Military Housing District Office again and ask to speak to the District Manager. The phone numbers are available on this site. If the issue is still not resolved after speaking to the District Manager, call the Lincoln General Management Office and ask to speak to the Regional Property Manager for your community. In the unlikely event the Regional Property Manager can not satisfy your request contact the General Management Office and ask of the Vice President of Lincoln Military Housing. At this point, if the issue still remains you will need to contact a military representative at the Housing Office.
Who should we call for maintenance?: Lincoln Military Housing provides a 24-hour service call desk for emergencies. For standard maintenance issues, please use the service request form found under the maintenance services link on this site.

Miscellaneous Questions

Can we have daycare in the home in PPV housing?

Resident may provide in-home childcare only through participation in the Child Development Homes program. Resident must be certified through the Child Development Program if childcare is conducted in the Premises for more than 10 cumulative hours per week. Resident must also comply with all applicable state and local laws regarding childcare.

Who enforces the rules under PPV?

Lincoln Military Housing will enforce all resident rules.

What if my child needs air conditioning for a medical reason?

Medical requirements will be accommodated.

Does PPV impact families who use low-income assistance programs?

Even though you must start collecting BAH under PPV, there should be no effect on your eligibility for income-based programs.

The Social Security Administration recently ruled that privatized housing is to be treated the same way as traditional military housing for determining eligibility for the Supplemental Security Program. This program benefits families with a disabled child.

Some assistance programs already require applicants to include non-cash benefits as income. For example, while living in traditional Navy Housing, the base childcare center includes the BAH you forfeit as part of your total income to determine your childcare rate. Under programs like this, the value of housing has always been included as part of your income, so after PPV, this amount will not change.

We encourage you to immediately notify your Family Service Center if you believe this issue could have an impact on you in order that they can investigate the particular program.

Who will handle disputes or major problems between neighbors?

The Lincoln Military Housing property manager will handle disputes and problems.

What recourse will military families occupying PPV Housing have if the property manager is not responsive to service needs?

Military personnel at the Base Housing Office, including its military liaison, will continue to be available for mediation to residents of PPV Housing. Also, an annual resident satisfaction survey will be conducted, and part of the property manager’s compensation will be based on the results of the survey. The property manager will have a vested interest in satisfying the needs of the residents.

Will our children go to the same schools with PPV housing?

Yes. School districts will not be affected by PPV. In addition, the system of "impact aid" to the local school districts by the Department of Education will not change.

How far in advance can I apply for military housing?

In most cases, you may apply for housing as soon as you receive orders through the advanced application process. Some services require that you be detached from the installation you are vacating before applications are accepted. Completed applications may be dropped off in person at the Base Housing Office. Please check with the Housing Office for information on how to access the waiting list, and be aware that incomplete application packets will not be accepted, and will delay placement on the wait list.

What are the average wait times for housing?

Wait times are only estimates, and may change at any time. You may discuss wait times with a Housing Representative by contacting the Lincoln Military Housing Office in your area.

Community Services Questions

Does every Region have Community Services?

No. Whether or not Community Services is available is dependant on the U.S. Partner.

How can I attend a Lincoln activity?

It’s easy! Just check out your newsletter or this Website for information on upcoming activities, and then simply follow the instructions for signing up.

Who is eligible to attend Lincoln activities?

All attendees must be Lincoln Military Housing residents listed on the sponsor’s Page 2. Extended family members, temporary visitors, and non-resident friends are not able to attend events. Think of your community as a private club where only active members are able to attend activities and events.

Are there any exceptions to the attendance policy?

On rare occasions, Lincoln will sponsor an event that is open to any military ID card holder. When this is the case, the exception will be noted with the general event information.

Why is this attendance policy so strict?

Lincoln’s funding for Community Services programs is dependent on providing this benefit for our residents only. Other military ID card holders can take advantage of MWR and other programs.

We at Lincoln Military Housing understand the unique needs of some of our families, and strive to assist those needs. If you or a family member residing in housing has any special needs, please feel free to contact the event coordinator when signing up for the event, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs whenever possible.