Housing

Most soldiers and civilians assigned to the Vicenza area live in housing on the local Italian economy, either in Vicenza or in neighboring communities. Typically, personnel are housed within a 30-minute commute of Caserma Ederle. For this reason, we strongly recommend shipping a vehicle early enough to have it available upon arrival in Vicenza or be prepared to purchase a vehicle locally. Unaccompanied junior enlisted soldiers in grades E-1 through E-6 will reside in the barracks that are available on Caserma Ederle and Del Din.

In-Processing

Please email the housing office (usarmy.usag-italy.id-europe.mbx.housing-division@army.mil) 15-30 days prior to your arrival so that we can request some information from you to start the early in-processing for you. If you are on an unaccompanied Soldier E7 and above, or a civilian, we will assist you in house hunting process so that you can start looking at properties. If you are on an accompanied tour, we will ask you to reach back out to us 7 days prior to your arrival so that we can let you know if we have any Army Family Housing (AFH) available in your rank and category. We will then guide you through the housing process for either AFH or private rental properties based on your authorization.

Installation Management Command Europe installations operate under the mandatory housing policy. Refusal of adequate government housing could result in forfeiture of TLA.

All personnel will report to the housing office within 48 hours of arrival to schedule an in-processing briefing to establish eligibility for the temporary lodging allowance, if authorized, and to be placed on an appropriate waiting list.

Accompanied military personnel and unaccompanied personnel in the grades of E7 and above will be authorized TLA until permanent housing can be provided. TLA must be approved by the housing office every 15 days as verification that personnel are aggressively seeking family housing to maintain eligibility for TLA. For more information on TLA, go to the Defense Travel Management website.

Unaccompanied military personnel in grades E-1 through E-6 will be housed immediately upon arrival by the Army Barracks Management Program staff in the barracks on-post. All unaccompanied soldiers in grades E-6 and below will not receive TLA if barracks are available. Before you stay in the hotel, be sure to check with ABMP or housing staff.

Department of Defense civilians, who are entitled to a temporary quarter’s sustainment allowance to offset initial lodging expenses and costs incurred from moving, should contact your gaining personnel office for further details on allowances.

Private Rental Housing

When government quarters are not available for accompanied personnel and for all unaccompanied SMs personnel E7 and above, the housing office will provide assistance in locating and obtaining a private rental.

The housing division has experienced, professional staff that will help all personnel with their housing needs. Personnel should be advised that using real estate agents and agencies can be costly. Information is available online: GARRISON PCS GUIDE -  <USAG Italy - Home (army.mil)

After initial briefings, personnel seeking private rental housing will be able to view available housing from the housing office database. Full details include photos, amenities, location, and price, which will allow you to select which units you would like to physically visit.

Our free Private Rental Liaison Support Contractor will escort you to visit available housing, and our staff of contract counselors will assist you with lease signing process. We will provide you and the landlord with copies of the lease in English and Italian and explain what you must do to comply with Italian law. We will perform all pre- and post-acquisition inspections of rentals with owners and ensure that standards and lease requirements are met. We will also help you to sign up for utilities and answer questions about billing and services. Once you have settled into your residence, we maintain Private Rental Liaison Support desk to assist with any issues that may arise with your residence during your tour. To include, but not limited to; translation, utility bill questions or support, translate maintenance requests to the Landlord, and mediation support.

The choices for housing are varied and interesting. Some personnel choose to live in apartments that are within walking distance of shops and downtown markets. Some rent country homes and suburban duplexes and share a yard with Italian neighbors. Others find apartments in the historic walled city or renovated villas and may set up house in a 500-year-old building. Where you live is determined largely by what is important for you and, if accompanied, your family, and our staff will try to help you find a home that accommodates your needs.

Apartments are more common than standalone homes, but some single houses, townhouses and duplexes are available, especially for those willing to live farther from the installation. Italian homes are generally smaller than typical homes found in the United States and do not include built-in closets. They generally have smaller garages. Due to the climate, most homes have tile, marble, or wood floors throughout the residence. Balconies are also very common. Homes with four or more bedrooms are harder to find, are more expensive and may be farther away from the installation.

Single and Unaccompanied Soldiers

Barracks are available for unaccompanied soldiers E-1 through E-6. Single/unaccompanied soldiers in pay grade of E-6 and below are normally housed in the barracks upon arrival. If there is no space in the barracks, they will be authorized a temporary lodging allowance until space becomes available. Soldiers are usually housed with fellow soldiers from their unit in either double-occupancy rooms with a shared bath or single rooms with a private bath.

Barracks have day rooms and laundry facilities for the use of occupants, and barracks are within walking distance of dining facilities, shops, a swimming pool, and a gym.

Unaccompanied soldiers in pay grade E-7 can obtain an appointment with a private rental counselor and a search for off-post housing. Permanently assigned personnel in grade E-7 and above who are entitled to basic allowance for housing at the “with dependent” rate and are serving an unaccompanied (all others) tour may reside off-post.

Department of the Army Civilians

Department of the Army civilians are eligible for assistance from the housing office in finding private rental housing. They must attend the housing briefing and housing will assist them to view available residences, as well as assist with translation, lease signing and support throughout their tour. Civilians should speak with the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center for information on lodging and per diem expenses.

Appliances and Furnishings

The Central Furnishings Management Office assists with providing items that do not come standard in Italian homes. CFMO will issue washers and dryers, large kitchen appliances (stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers, if accompanied), kitchen cabinets and wardrobes for the duration of your assignment. CMFO can also issue an American Forces Network digital decoder that will allow reception of the 10 AFN television channels. Transformers and adapters are available for purchase at the Post Exchange or the thrift store in limited quantities.

To assist families in moving into housing immediately, short-term loaner furniture can be provided for 90 days or until household goods arrive. These items include beds and mattresses, kitchen tables, side tables, couches, chairs, and other items on an as-available basis.

Remember, electricity in Italy is 220 volts. Most American electronics use 110 volts and will require a transformer before use. U.S. cordless phones, baby monitors and other wireless electrical devices utilize frequencies which are illegal and cannot be used. Devices must be European approved with the mark CE for use in Italy.

Exceptional Family Member Housing

There is not a priority policy for incoming special needs families; however, the housing office will make every attempt to house families with exceptional family members quickly in units that meet their needs. Some family housing units are equipped with wheelchair access. The housing office coordinates with the Exceptional Family Member Program coordinator when notified of an exceptional family member and then takes appropriate action.

All government-controlled quarters and most private rentals are air conditioned. Generators are not available for powering medical equipment.

The cost of living in the Vicenza area is relatively high. A one- to three-month deposit is usually required on private rental units as well as deposits for utilities. Advances may be made available for all up-front costs.

Purchase Options

While it is possible to purchase a home or apartment in the local economy, be aware that, first, real estate in Italy is very expensive, and second, the installation's housing office provides assistance to the Vicenza military community in obtaining rental contracts only. The housing office may advise the prospective purchasers, review acquisition documentation and assist in providing general information. However, due to complexity of purchase agreements, Italian/European tax laws and the status of forces agreement, it would be your responsibility to independently seek the services of an Italian realtor/public notary to assist you.

Mobile Homes

There are no mobile homes in Vicenza. Permanent housing is the only option.

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.