The privatization of Military Family Housing brings many questions to mind. What is it, why did it happen in the Northwest, how are things different, how are things the same, who will my neighbors be? Read on and learn answers to these and many other Public/Private Venture (PPV) questions.
On Feb. 1, 2005, Navy Family Housing in the Northwest, with the exception of The Landings (formerly Jackson Park), became privatized. The company formed with the Navy and our partner is Hunt Military Communities. Visit their website at www.northwestmilitaryhousing.com to learn more about this housing community.
Privatization isn't just a Northwest venture. It is a creative and effective solution mandated by congress for all Department of Defense (DoD) housing in the United States. It has been phased in throughout the United States. The partnerships that are formed enable a quicker solution for renovating and replacing aging Military Family Housing.
Most people will see little change in their lives with the privatization of housing. With PPV, you sign a lease for a minimum of six months, just as you agreed in writing to remain in Navy housing for at least six months. Now you pay rent in the exact amount of your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), so you are paying the same amount for the same home and amenities that you were when your BAH was withheld. The only difference is that your BAH now goes into your paycheck, and rent is paid by allotment to the PPV partner.
Priority for housing will always be "service members first." If there is not enough demand for housing from military members that would cause the occupancy rate to fall below a certain level, then the PPV partner may rent to others following a particular priority list. The priority would be (1) unaccompanied service members, (2) federal civil service employees, (3) retired military, (4) National Guard and military reservists, (5) retired federal civil service employees, (6) DoD contractors and other permanent employees, and (7) the general public.
If neighborhood or landlord/tenant issues should arise that cannot be settled between the people involved, remember that the HOUSING SERVICES CENTER REMAINS OPEN to provide assistance to PPV residents as well as renters in the civilian community.