It’s important to be open-minded as you search for your new home. Bahraini homes can be much different than what you may be used to. The houses can range from fully furnished to unfurnished, so it’s best to always go in and take a look inside.

No On-Base Accompanied Housing

Active duty paid E-5 and senior, accompanied E-4 personnel and DoD civilians will reside off-base. Before arriving on island, check online to view some of the housing choices available in the area. You will be expected to pay the first month’s rent out of pocket.

All frocked E-5 and below personnel will be assigned lodging in the Unaccompanied Housing (barracks) at NSA Bahrain. 

Housing service Center

The Housing Service Center (HSC) is a one-stop shop for all personnel who will reside off base. 

The HSC provides detailed housing market information, leasing contract administrative services and a housing-showing service. 

A period of two to three weeks is usually required to complete leasing paperwork (pre-contract/lease draft/inspection/lease signing).

HSC Counselors assist newcomers in locating a residence off-base by:

• Providing a list of approved rental agents and managers.

• Providing a house-showing service at specific times during the workweek to assist members in locating off-base housing.

• Providing a pre-contract draft.

• Negotiating rental contracts in coordination with landlords and prospective tenants.

• Conducting a security inspection of housing before the move-in date.

• Explaining lease agreements.

• Providing copies of a lease agreement signed by you and the landlord upon completion of the lease contract negotiation process.

• Private homes are assessed by the installation’s Housing Office or found by a realtor.

• You are responsible for rent and utilities.

• Military members will receive Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA), while civilians receive Living Quarters Allowance (LQA).

• For an inclusive lease, inquire with the Housing Office.

Finding Private Housing

Searching online:

• Visit www.homes.mil

• Make an account.

• Look for private rentals that have been approved by the Housing Office and are not over the 25 percent FP threshold

• Check the site daily, as houses will come and go quickly — especially during peak PCS season, which is June to September.

Searching via realty agents:

   • Make sure to stop by the Housing Office to get an approved real estate agency listing. There will be more private rentals to select from than online. The Housing Office also has a house-showing service to assist you.

   • Service members do not need to pay any realtor fees. This is done by the landlord.

   • All leases must go through the Housing Office.

   • One-month advance payment is required. A deposit is not required, but if the landlord insists on one, inform the Housing Office.  

VIEWING A HOME

Go in person to the Housing Office to request a day and time to view a home.

Only use the approved Real Estate Agency listing.

Personnel paid E-5 and above will live off-base and will pay the first month’s rent out of pocket. Make sure that you are financially prepared by saving beforehand. If you foresee a monetary shortfall before arriving on the island, you are authorized to request one month of Advance OHA.

Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA)

• Paid E-5 and above will be assigned lodging in a hotel off-base, if NGIS is not available. Personnel residing off-base will receive a Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) entitlement for the actual cost of lodging for up to maximum of 45 days.

• TLA is paid in 10-day increments. Members are required to pay TLA upfront to their hotel and provide a zero-balanced receipt to the Housing Office. Civilians reconcile on a 30-day cycle (up to 90 days).

• If TLA assistance is needed contact NMCRS for an interest-free bridge loan.

Overseas Housing Allowance covers the following:

• Exclusive lease—Only covers the rent. The tenant will pay for water, electricity, BTUs (if separate) and municipality tax.

• Inclusive lease—Covers the rent, water, electricity, BTUs and municipality tax.

• Use https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/oha.cfm to get current OHA amount.

• If service member needs assistance with first month’s rent they can obtain a memo from the Housing Office for command approval. If advance is denied, member can request a Household Setup Loan from NMCRS.

Move-In Housing Allowance (MIHA)

• MIHA exists to cover the move-in costs associated with occupying a private sector lease and/or owned housing covered under the OHA program.

• Please use https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/oha.cfm to get current MIHA amount.

• Check the installation’s Housing Office for an allowance that may be provided in order to improve the security of your new home.

To avoid being held liable for damages done to your home and property by the movers, it’s best to take note of any damage on your household goods paperwork. Note everything wrong such as missing boxes or damaged goods. Be sure to keep copies of all paperwork, and take pictures of any damage.

Filing a Claim

You have 75 days from the scheduled delivery date to submit a notice of loss or damage report in the Defense Personal Property System.

From then, you will have nine months to submit your claim in order to be eligible for a full replacement value.

Be sure to have photos and purchase receipts of your damaged goods.

Keep any paperwork until all claims are processed.

QUICK APPLIANCE TIPS

You will need a transformer to use your single voltage electronics (U.S. is 110-120 volt and 60 hertz) in your Bahraini home. Please remember that to avoid damage, a plug adapter is fine for dual voltage electronics (labeled 110–240 volts), but an adapter will NOT change the voltage or current. As Bahrain power supply is 220 volts and 50 hertz, always check your product before plugging in to ensure the voltage is compatible.

Transformers are to be negotiated with the landlord.

Check with your landlord for specifications on appliance size.

First Steps

Schedule a delivery date for your household goods and remember that dates book fast during the peak summer PCS season.

Since there is no temporary furniture program, consult with the Household Goods and Transportation Office to figure out which option is best for you.

Once your household goods arrive, make sure every box that was shipped has arrived.

Mark each item off your inventory list as everything is being unloaded.

Phone:

011-973-1785-4104/6732

Location:

BLDG 265

Hours of Operation:

Sunday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Monday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Tuesday: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Wednesday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Hours may be subject to change.

Welcome to Bahrain