For military families, frequent moves are a way of life. Whether due to a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or transitioning out of active service, securing rental housing is a critical, yet often stressful, step in the process. From navigating competitive rental markets to understanding lease agreements and military protections, families face unique challenges that can make finding a new home overwhelming.
The Housing Hunt: Challenges Facing Military Families
Transitioning military families often have limited time to secure a home. In competitive rental markets, homes are snatched up quickly, leaving families scrambling for available options. Some of the biggest hurdles include:
- Limited Inventory – Popular military towns experience high demand for rental homes, making it difficult to secure a suitable place.
- Short Timelines – Service members often receive PCS orders with little advance notice, giving them a tight window to find housing.
- Budget Constraints – The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) helps cover rent, but in high-cost areas, it may not be enough to secure a desirable home.
- Lease Challenges – Some landlords are hesitant to rent to military families due to frequent moves, while others may not understand the protections afforded under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
Resources and Solutions for Military Renters
To ease the transition, several resources and strategies can help military families secure suitable rental housing:
- Military Housing Offices (MHO) – Most bases have an MHO that can help service members and veterans navigate housing options and connect with military-friendly landlords.
- Realtors Familiar with Military Moves – Some real estate professionals specialize in working with service members and can provide valuable insight into rental availability.
- Lease Flexibility and Military Clauses – Families should ensure leases include a military clause that allows early termination if orders change. The SCRA provides protection from penalties when breaking a lease due to military obligations.
Rental Market Considerations
As you plan your final move due to transitioning out of the military, you may be looking at renting housing until you find the perfect house or location before you buy. Depending on where you are relocating to, rent can vary greatly.
Here are some facts about 10 rental markets from a recent report by Storage Sense that may give you some insight as to what it will cost in or around these locations.
| City | Avg Home Size (sq ft) | Median Rent per month (for 1 Bedroom) | Rent (per 100 sq ft.) | Number of Rentals Available per 100k people |
| Washington | 932 | $2,137 | $229.29 | 1,352 |
| San Francisco | 1222 | $2,761 | $225.94 | 508 |
| New York City | 1165 | $2,219 | $190.47 | 196 |
| Boston | 1251 | $2,210 | $176.66 | 2,154 |
| San Jose | 1582 | $2,410 | $152.34 | 297 |
| San Diego | 1467 | $1,950 | $132.92 | 638 |
| Seattle | 1460 | $1,875 | $128.42 | 1,546 |
| Los Angeles | 1544 | $1,843 | $119.37 | 635 |
| Chicago | 1400 | $1,535 | $109.64 | 519 |
| Philadelphia | 1318 | $1,256 | $95.30 | 939 |
Data courtesy of Storage Sense
Legend
Average Home Size: The smallest in this list is Washington D.C.; the largest is San Jose. Depending on how much room you need, it gives you an idea of the average size rental in those areas.
Median Rent per month: As noted, the rates shown are for one-bedroom rental units. If you need more bedrooms then use the Rent per 100 sq ft column to see what the square footage you need would cost per month.
Rent per 100 sq ft.: The average amount charged for each 100 sq ft.
Rentals Available: This column gives you an idea of how many rental units are available in each of the markets based on population.
Your Next Move …
As you move forward with transitioning to civilian life, understanding the rental market and navigating the complexities of housing availability is vital. While the challenges are real, the good news is that with the right resources, flexibility, and proactive planning, finding a suitable rental is possible … while still retaining your sanity.
It’s important to remember that each location presents its own set of opportunities and obstacles. Whether you’re relocating to a high-cost city like San Francisco or a more affordable area like Philadelphia, the average rental prices and availability can vary greatly. Armed with insights like the average rent prices, rental inventory data, and the protections offered by military clauses in lease agreements, you’re better equipped to make informed decisions.
In the end, whether your goal is to secure a temporary rental home or find a permanent place to settle, patience and persistence will be key. By taking advantage of available resources and considering your unique circumstances, military families can find the housing solutions that best fit their needs. As you embark on this new chapter, remember that every challenge is just another opportunity for growth and new beginnings.
