Housing

Housing Guide for Your Move to USAG Italy

Welcome to USAG Italy! This guide provides essential information to help you navigate the housing process for your upcoming Permanent Change of Station.

Overview of Housing in the Vicenza Military Community

Most personnel assigned to the VMC reside in private rental housing on the local economy, typically within a 30-minute commute of Caserma Ederle. For this reason, we strongly recommend you ship a vehicle early or plan to purchase one upon arrival.

Unaccompanied junior enlisted Soldiers (E-1 to E-6) will be assigned to barracks on Caserma Ederle or Del Din.

Step 1: Before You Arrive

To get a head start on your housing in-processing, please email the Housing Division Office at usarmy.usag-italy.id-europe.mbx.housing-division@army.mil with the following timeline:

• All Personnel: Email the housing office 15-30 days before your arrival. This allows us to gather preliminary information and begin the process for you.
• Accompanied Personnel (with dependents): Contact us again 7 days prior to your arrival. At this time, we can inform you if Army Family Housing (AFH) is available for your rank and category and guide you on the next steps.

Step 2: Upon Your Arrival

All personnel must report to the Housing Division Office within 48 hours of arriving in Italy. During this mandatory in-processing, we will:

• Establish your eligibility for lodging allowances, such as the Temporary Lodging Allowance.
• Place you on the appropriate housing waiting list.
• Provide a comprehensive briefing on your housing options.

Important Note on TLA: TLA must be re-validated with the housing office every 15 days. To maintain eligibility, you must demonstrate that you are actively seeking permanent housing. Refusing adequate government housing may result in the forfeiture of TLA.

Housing Options & Eligibility

1. Government Controlled Quarters:

• Barracks (Unaccompanied E-1 to E-6): You will be assigned to a room in the barracks upon arrival. Barracks are typically double-occupancy with a shared bath or single rooms with a private bath and are located near dining facilities, shops, and gyms. TLA is not authorized if barracks space is available.
• Army Family Housing (AFH): Based on availability, accompanied military personnel may be offered government-controlled family housing.

2. Private Rental Housing (Off-Post):

This option is available for accompanied personnel if GCQ are not available, and unaccompanied personnel in grades E-7 and above. The housing office provides comprehensive, free support for finding a home on the local market.

• Finding a Home: We provide access to an online database of available properties with photos, details, and pricing.
• Viewing and Leasing: Our liaison will escort you to view properties. We will assist with the lease-signing process, provide translated copies for you and the landlord, and conduct all necessary inspections.
• Utilities and Ongoing Support: We help you sign up for utilities and offer continuous support throughout your tour for translation, maintenance requests, and any other landlord/tenant issues.

Guidance for Specific Personnel:

• Unaccompanied Soldiers (E-7 and above): You are authorized to live in private rental housing off-post and will receive full support from the housing office.
• Department of the Army (DA) Civilians: You are eligible for the same private rental assistance as military personnel. For details on your specific allowances, such as Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance, please contact the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center.

Support Services & Key Information:

• Furniture and Appliances: The Central Furnishings Management Office provides essential items not typically found in Italian homes for the duration of your tour. This includes washers, dryers, kitchen appliances, and wardrobes. A temporary loaner furniture set (beds, tables, couches, etc.) is available for up to 90 days until your household goods arrive.
• Exceptional Family Member Housing: While there is no priority waitlist, the housing office works closely with the EFMP coordinator to meet your family's specific needs as quickly as possible. Please notify us of any special requirements.
• Electricity: Italy uses 220-volt electricity. Most U.S. electronics (110-volt) will require a transformer. Do not use U.S. cordless phones, baby monitors, or other wireless devices, as they operate on illegal frequencies in Europe. All electronics must have the European "CE" mark.

We look forward to assisting you with your move. For more information, please visit the official USAG Italy website.

Private Sector Housing in the Vicenza Military Community: What to Expect

This guide covers important considerations for securing non-government housing in the Vicenza Military Community.

Rental Costs and Deposits

The cost of living in and around Vicenza is relatively high. When you rent a home on the local economy, be prepared for significant up-front costs:

• Security deposit: Landlords typically require a security deposit equivalent to one to three months rent.
• Utility deposits: You will also need to pay deposits to set up utilities.

To help manage these initial expenses, financial advances may be available. Please consult with the Finance Office for more information on securing an advance for your housing costs.

Purchasing a Home

While you have the option to buy a home or apartment, it is important to be aware of two key factors:

1. High cost: Real estate in Italy is very expensive.
2. Limited assistance: The United States Army Garrison Italy Housing Office provides assistance for rental contracts only.

If you decide to pursue purchasing a property, the Housing Office can offer general advice and review documents, however, due to the complexity of Italian real estate laws and the Status of Forces Agreement, you are responsible for hiring your own Italian realtor and public notary to handle the transaction.

Mobile Homes

Please be aware that mobile homes are not an available housing option in the Vicenza area. All off-post housing consists of permanent structures such as apartments, duplexes or single-family homes.

Visit InMyArea.com to search for utility providers based on your ZIP code. This website serves as a one-stop shop where you can explore your options, compare prices and purchase services.