Government Housing

Availability

Hohenfels has 131 government-owned quarters, 450 government-built/leased units and 580 private rental units for a total of 1161 units. Only government-owned quarters are located on post. On-post units are restricted to the grades of E1-E6. Due to a recent change in U.S. Army in Europe policy, soldiers E1-E6 also receive priority in all government-built/leased quarters as well. All single (bonafide bachelors) E7 and above and officers are being placed in private rental units or On-post SEBQ/BOQ. Current wait time for private rentals is unknown and could be two-six weeks.  Government-built/lease units are in a variety of small towns and villages within a 30-minute driving radius of post. You can reach the Government Quarters Office (Army Family Housing) by calling DSN 314-522-8515/8514/8520.

All government-owned and built-to-lease quarters are wired with 110 as well as 220 voltages. Many American lamps are useable in a 220v outlet by using an inexpensive convertor and a 220v bulb. Cable television is available in the government-owned quarters. All government-owned and built-to-lease units have at a minimum basic American Forces Network TV reception. Telephone installation must be requested by the new occupant and includes a euro installation charge which is included in the first bill. Built-to-Lease quarters may be smaller than housing found in the United States. Therefore, box springs for king-size beds are strongly discouraged.

The layout and sizes of government leased housing units and private rentals differ from what you are used to in the U.S. Most homes on the economy have stairs, often two or three stories, and many of the homes are not able to accommodate large pieces or assortments of furniture. For example, it is not uncommon that a king-size bed will not fit up the stairs to the second or third floor. In some apartments a king-size bed may not fit in the bedroom at all, or the bed will fit but nothing else will. Bedrooms are usually not equipped with closets or lighting. Kitchens are sometimes not built in and lack appliances. Often, landlords agree to install a kitchen and light fixtures for a minimal charge.

Private Rental

The Housing Services Office administers approximately 580 apartments and houses for military and civilian personnel. It is staffed with bilingual personnel. They will assist in obtaining private rental quarters and ensure that your lease includes the appropriate military release clauses. The staff provides limited translating services for typical household bills or problems occurring with the landlords. Moving-in costs usually include a security deposit of one to three months’ rent. Generally, there are no hook up charges for utilities. However, electricity and water may require advance payments monthly. These utilities are read and prorated each year. If your usage is higher than estimated, a bill for the difference will be issued. However, if usage is less, you may be entitled to a refund and a lower payment for the next year. Economy housing may be smaller than housing found in the U.S. Therefore, box springs for queen- and king-size beds larger than 53 inches wide, 81 inches long and 39 inches in Height are strongly discouraged. Most German rentals come without built-in closets. However, the government will provide washers, dryers, refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, closets and household furniture. Prices are based upon local market analysis and do not include utility costs. Variations in rental prices exist depending upon additional features, such as additional baths, garages, square footage, and location. Private rental housing may be found within a 10-40-minute drive off post.

Average Costs of Rentals:

• One bedroom – $550-$750
• Two bedrooms – $750-$1,000
• Three bedrooms – $800-$1,200
• Four bedrooms – $1,150-$1,500

(Dollar rates will be higher or lower depending on the euro value on the market.)

Housing:

U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria housing consists of government quarters on post and government-leased quarters off post. Government-leased homes are spread throughout the local communities. USAG Bavaria offers two- and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes, townhouses, and row houses.

Eligibility:

Homes are available for all active-duty personnel on a 36-month tour with accompanying command-sponsored dependents. The average waiting period is six to eight weeks. Service members will be placed on the waiting list according to their rank and bedroom eligibility. Categories are as follows:

• E-1 through E-6 -- junior enlisted – two, three, four and five bedrooms
• E-7 through E-9 -- senior enlisted – three and four bedrooms
• O-1 through O-3 -- company grade – three and four bedrooms
• O-4 and O-5 -- field grade – three and four bedrooms

Note: USAG Bavaria has a mandatory assignment to government quarters.

Private Rental:

Private rental is only an option if a service member has received a Certificate of Non-Availability from the Housing Division. Due to the mandatory assignment to government quarters policy, CNAs will be issued only when government housing is not available within 60 days of arrival.

Unaccompanied service members in the rank of sergeant first class (E-7) and above may be eligible for private rental quarters. Contact the Housing Division to determine if you are eligible.

Renting has become more expensive in the last couple of years as the U.S. military has increased its presence in the community. Rents can range from 800-2,000 euros and the rent may or may not include utilities. Soldiers and Department of the Army civilians should contact the Housing Division for assistance with the private rental process. There are some special differences in this area: Electricity, water, sewage, and heating oil are often annual expenses so that future planning is necessary.

In-Processing:

Upon arrival, you will visit the USAG Bavaria in- and out-processing facility located on Hohenfels at Building 10. On day one, you will be briefed by the Housing Division and receive an appointment to begin the housing process. At your appointment, your name will be added to the appropriate wait list. Your eligibility date will be based on the date your service member signed out of their last permanent duty station as indicated on their DA-31.

Temporary Lodging Allowance:

Families must be in a concurrent travel status in order to be eligible for a Temporary Lodging Allowance. Unaccompanied service members in grades E-7 and above may also be eligible to receive TLA. For those eligible to seek private rental quarters, you must aggressively seek housing while on TLA status. TLA is paid in 10-day increments, up to 60 days, when all criteria for payments are met. You will be fully briefed on your TLA entitlements and criteria during your in-processing.

Furnishings:

Temporary furniture is provided for up to 90 days and must be returned after household goods arrive. Appliances such as refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, washers, and dryers are provided for the duration of your tour. It is recommended that families send sheets, blankets, pillows, curtains and other necessities in advance with unaccompanied baggage to use until your HHGs arrive.

Check us out at the U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria website or at the USAG Bavaria Facebook page.

Email us at usarmy.bavaria.imcom-europe.mbx.dpw-hsg-customer-service@mail.mil or call
DSN 526-4347 or civilian 09641-70-526-4347.

The USAG Bavaria Housing Branch is in Building 85 & 83, Hohenfels.

Other

It is German law that you must have a trash can or Dumpster at your home, and you must use it. Refuse cannot be taken across county lines. Recyclable materials such as glass, plastic and paper may be brought on post to the Sort or Recycle Trash facility or deposited in your local area's igloos or recycling center. Household hazardous materials must be brought on post to the Self-Help Store (Building 742) or to the sorting center behind Building 25. Recycling is mandatory in Germany and noncompliance results in heavy fines.

Housing

Government quarters, as well as private rental properties, are located within a 45-minute drive of the installation. Private rental, government built-to-lease and Government Rental Housing Program quarters are positioned throughout the area in many of the surrounding small villages and towns.

For more information, contact the Housing Office at:

For private rentals, call DSN 314-522-8516/8517/8518/8519 or civilian
011-49-9472-708-8516/8517/8518/8519.

For government lease A&T, call DSN 314-522-8514/8515/8520 or civilian 011-49-9472-708-8514/8515/8520.

For unaccompanied housing, call DSN 314-522-8509/8510 or civilian
011-49-9472-708-8509/8510.

Housing Referral Office

• Location: building 83
• Telephone: 314-522-8514/8515/8520
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m-11:30 a.m 12:30 p.m.-15:30 p.m.

To dial commercial directly from the United States, the telephone number is 011-49-9472-708-8514/8515/8520.

Government Quarters Office

• Location: building 83
• Telephone: 314-522-8514/8515/8520
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m-11:30 a.m 12:30 p.m.-15:30 p.m.

To dial commercial directly from the U.S., the telephone number is 011-49-9472-708-8514/8515/8520.

Transient Lodging

• Location: building 63
• Telephone: 314-522-1700

Direct dial from U.S.: 011-49-9472-708-1700

Reservations for transient quarters can be made for personnel with permanent change of station orders and temporary duty travel on official government orders. Incoming personnel should contact their sponsors to assist in making reservations. If transient facilities on post are not available, the staff will assist you in making reservations at a local guest house.

In reference to families, the Transient Lodging Facility can accommodate a family of four in one room (two double beds). Baby cribs are available upon request.