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Housing Privatization Q & A

  • Published
  • By Myrl Briggs
  • Fairchild Housing Privatization project manager
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  This is the first of a series of articles to address frequently asked questions related to the transition to housing privatization at Fairchild. This is an attempt to help alleviate concerns and control rumors. This following will ensure that you have the best information to make an informed decision in whether to sign a lease to live in on base housing. 

Question: Do I have to make arrangements with finance to start my Basic Housing Allowance and/or allotments? 

Answer: No, and for the following reasons: 

1) If you are remaining in privatized housing, Balfour Beatty Communities, through Military Assistance Corporation, will do all the necessary paperwork to initiate your BAH, as well as the appropriate allotments for their privatized housing payments. No additional actions should be required on your part. 

2) If you are not signing a lease, the Military Family Housing Office will provide the necessary paperwork to initiate your BAH. Understand, the finance office will not initiate your BAH without this paperwork. 

3) For military members married to other military member and living in privatized housing, the junior member must visit the finance office and complete an Air Force Form 594. 

Question: What is the significance of "Grandfathering"? 

Answer: Current housing residents remaining in privatized housing will be exempt from some requirements. Residents currently living under exceptions to policies will continue to live under those same exceptions after housing privatization takes place; those exceptions will be grandfathered into the new policies. Some examples include: 

1) Exception to the two pet and the aggressive breed policies, provided that they are registered on base. That said, pets must still be licensed and vaccinated according to Fairchild policies. 

2) Trampolines, hot tubs and other items that are in place and recorded in your housing records prior to closing will still be allowed in base housing. No additional actions are required. Swimming pool installation, however, must still comply with local codes, as applicable. 

3) Outdoor sheds, satellite dishes and other physical amenities that have an approved AF Form 332 prior to signing the lease are permitted to remain on the premises; however, they must be removed when clearing the residence.
Note: after vacating base housing, members who wish to move back onto base will lose all grandfather privileges afforded to them under this protection. 

If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact the housing office at 247-2341; the Housing Privatization manager at 274-2734; or Balfour Beatty Communities at 244-6500.