The waiting list for on-base housing can be difficult to plan for, and a hotel stay is cramped and uncomfortable (not to mention expensive!). Don’t get stuck in that situation! This is the ultimate guide to having the fastest and best transition to your new off-base rental at JBLM. And if you haven’t already, join my Facebook renters group – JBLM Area Rentals Within BAH – for listings and more tips on finding that perfect home.
Step 1: Get ready to rent (Best to start 90+ days out)
With everything that must happen at the last minute, this step is one you can start in advance.
- Get Documents Ready- digitize for quick retrieval during travel.
- 3 months’ pay stubs / LES
- 3 months’ bank statements
- Driver’s License / Identification for everyone 18+ years
- Collect reference letters (prior & current landlords).
- Generate Short Term Credit Boosts
- Pay bills on time.
- Self-report bills to credit bureaus.
- Check credit report & dispute errors.
- Reduce credit card balances to under 30% of your credit limit
- Ensure unused accounts stay open.
- Up-Front Rental Costs to Expect
- Application fees
- First & last, and possibly an additional Security Deposit
- Pet Deposit
- Renters Insurance
- Temporary housing costs (storage unit, hotel, food, & personal items)
- Moving truck & supplies
- Upgrade Your Pet Appeal
- PetScreening.com pet profile.
- Research pet registration/licensing requirements
- Narrative of training, demeanor, pictures
- Statement from previous landlords regarding pets
- Understand the differences between ESA’s, Service Animals, and Pets
- Boost Your Appeal With Landlords
- Prepare your Personal Narrative (be memorable)
- Prepare your Document Package
- Credit score 620+
- No evictions, No collections
Step 2: Start Your journey at the JBLM Housing Office
On the JBLM Housing Services Office (HSO) website you can also find information about BAH rates, mandatory briefings, hours of operation, and other necessary information. | HSO Bldg #5128, Pendleton Ave, Lewis Main | Email: [email protected] | Appointments: https://jblmhso.as.me/ | 253-967-3581.
- Before You Arrive:
- Contact HSO for resources and wait list information
- Get the Housing Welcome Information Packet / schedule an appointment
- Learn about and set up temporary lodging
- When You Arrive:
- Check-in with HSO & get any updated resources
- Attend a mandatory Installation In-processing Brief; HSO is one of the agencies that brief Service Members boots on the ground, optional HSO counseling on leasing, renting or homebuying (by appointment)
- Get on the on-base housing waitlist
- After You’re on the Waitlist:
- Get temporary housing (hotel, etc.)
- Research off-base rentals.
- Consider off-base home purchase.
- Get a USPS Temp Change of Address, min 15 days (or consider getting a P.O. Box)
Step 3: Begin Searching for Off-base Rentals
- Check Operation Red Dot’s Rental Listings – we manage over 110 active rentals within 30 minutes of JBLM
- Launch a Search Process – which could include all or most of these popular options:
- Zillow
- Redfin
- Trulia
- HotPads
- AHRN
- Craigslist
- Google search property managers in target area
- Facebook groups for target area
- Facebook marketplace for target area
- Watch Out for Scams and Red Flags:
- People posing as property managers
- People asking for deposits or sensitive personal info prior to lease or showing
- People who refuse to speak with you over the phone or video
- People listing a property obviously significantly under market value
- People listing a property that doesn’t belong to them or doesn’t exist
- Report Rental scams to FBI ICCC
Step 4: Pitching the Landlords
- Winning Their Hearts and Minds
- Send potential landlord Personal Narrative and Document Package.
- Application Tips
- Provide complete and accurate information.
- Include all supporting documents.
- Nailing the Face-to-face
- Clean Appearance
- Be prepared to reiterate your Narrative and references.
- Be familiar with the property listing, and any restrictions already mentioned.
- Have questions prepared.
Step 5: After you move in
- Set up billing for utilities.
- Update address
- Pet microchips
- USPS mail forwarding (lasts up to 12 months, and can be extended)
- Magazine subscriptions (mail forwarding lasts only 60 days for magazines!!)
- Credit cards, Amazon and other shopping sites
- Register kids for school.
- Map distances to:
- Work
- Schools
- Shopping
- Doctors
- Urgent Care locations and Hospitals
- Set up self reporting to credit bureaus, which may include:
- Rent
- Cell phone bill
- Utilities
- Streaming services (such as Netflix and Disney+)
- Consider your options for what happens when the lease expires
- Will you renew the lease for another year?
- Will you move into another rental?
- Will you buy a home?
- Will you move on base?
READY TO GET STARTED?
This guide has a lot to take in. If you feel you need more information or FREE assistance with this journey, please call Operation Red Dot “Military Helping Military.” 253.300.6300
| LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR RENTAL PROGRAM |