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Need to know regarding privatization

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexxis Pons Abascal
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The first in a series of 801 Housing town hall meetings was held in the base theater at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Jan. 22.

The meetings are geared toward providing housing residents with adequate information to ease the challenge of upcoming transitions and eliminate much of the confusion that will be prompted by privatization.

Congressional mandates initially allowed a 20 year lease for the area that is currently 801 Portales Housing. The current lease will expire July 28, 2013 and will return property to the land owner.

U.S. National Housing, a subsidiary of Fischer Property, will take over the land lease converting the 801 area into Alta Terra Community.

"We want to centralize our efforts around the theme 'Welcome to the Family'," said a Fischer Properties representative. "We aim to provide high-quality housing and maintenance in a safe, family friendly community."

The unique, gated community will provide rental opportunities to military members, civilians, university faculty members and students. Initial one year leases will be available at set rates and will reflect market competition afterwards as needed.

Renters within Alta Terra will be responsible for their own utilities, yards and will be required to purchase renter's insurance as part of their lease agreement. Responsibility of the 801 area will not shift to Fischer Properties until after lease expiration on July 28.

Some common questions and concerns have been addressed below:

When will my Basic Allowance for Housing start if the lease begins on July 29? What happens if I have to pay rent immediately on Aug. 1? What options are available to span any potential gaps between receiving BAH and making rent payments?

- The BAH entitlements cannot be started before the member is authorized payment. Subsequently, BAH will start July 29 and members will receive their first BAH payment in the Aug. 15 paycheck. Members do have the option of requesting a BAH advance through finance if they have a copy of a signed lease agreement. IMPORTANT NOTE: If a member elects to take an advance on BAH, repayment of that advance will be automatically deducted from the member's following paycheck.

How quickly will an allotment be started to pay rent?

-Allotments may be started through MyPay. In order to guarantee an Aug. 15 start date, member will need to input the request no earlier than July 28 and no later than Aug. 3.

How will the Air Force Form 594, Application and Authorization to Start, Stop or Change Basic Allowance for Quarters or Dependency Redetermination, for starting my BAH be accomplished and who will complete this form?

-The AF Form 594 will be filled out by the member and turned into the finance office.

Will I be able to keep my pets after privatization?

-Yes, members will be allowed up to two approved pets. A $500 deposit will be waived for current residents. There will be a $50 per month pet fee. Cats must be spayed or neutered and residents will be responsible for all pet damage.

Will my rent increase annually?

-Rent will be based on the current state of the housing market. Current rates will benchmark the year.

Am I guaranteed my current house once leasing becomes available?

-The only way to reserve a house in Alta Terra is to sign a lease with Fischer Properties.

Can I lease for less than a year if I know I am scheduled to retire or separate?

-Yes, Fischer Properties will work with members to accommodate upcoming plans. Service members are also allowed to terminate their lease based on Permanent Change of Station or deployments.

Will the military pay for my move?

-Yes, to an extent. Military members are authorized one paid move through the traffic management office. Members are encouraged to utilize a 90-day window beginning April 28, 2013 to initiate the transition process if they do not wish to remain in privatized housing.
However, the TMO office will not move residents from one 801 house to another 801 house.
 
Personnel can always contact the base housing office with questions or concerns at 575-784-7532. Also monitor the 27th Special Operations Wing Facebook page for upcoming town hall meetings pertaining to housing privatization.

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