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Army to fund foreclosure-driven local moves

Government-funded local moves are now authorized for soldiers and Army families forced to leave rental housing because of foreclosure actions against owners and landlords.

The authorization announced May 5 by the Army applies to soldiers of all components on active duty, including those in Title 10 and Title 32 status with the Active Guard and Reserve program.

The authorization does not apply to soldiers and families who are owners of the foreclosed property.

The policy authorizes designated Army commands, including the Installation Management Command, to fund local moves to dwellings that are within commuting distance of a soldier’s permanent duty station.

In cases where dependents are forced to vacate, the local move will be to a dwelling within the dependents’ designated location.

Permanent change of station household good weight allowances authorized in Joint Travel Regulations (Vol. 1, Para U5310-B) will apply to the local moves.

“In no circumstances will a soldier authorized a local move due to foreclosure of rental property be forced to pay for this move out of pocket,” according to the policy announcement (ALARACT Message 122-2009).

Soldiers must request a local move, in writing, through their military housing office to the local transportation office.

Officials recommend that soldiers contact military legal counsel to understand their rights under law, including the Service Members Civil Relief Act of federal law, as well as any state and local laws that may apply to their particular situation.