Housing in Poland is modern, but you’ll have the option of selecting historical apartments and houses as well. Houses and apartments in Poland may be a different size or layout than you are used to; however, the Housing Office will assist you in finding something that fits your needs.

CAMP KOŚCIUSZKO/POZNAŃ HOUSING OFFICE

Bldg. 28, Room 34

DSN: 314 538-8822

COMM: +48 451-071-332

Email: usarmy.poznan.usareur.list.asg-p-housing-office@mail.mil

There is no on-post housing. All personnel will live off post if they are on PCS orders.

All service members must check in to the Housing Office within 48 hours of their arrival. The Housing Office is a one-stop shop for all personnel who will reside off base. Staff will assist newcomers in locating a residence off base by providing a variety of services.

• Providing a list of approved rental agents and managers.

• Assist with translation with your landlord.

• Negotiate and finalize your rental contract.

• Covering detailed housing market information.

• Leasing contract administrative services.

• Housing-showing service.

Prepare to pay up to three months’ rent upfront to cover the first month’s rent, realtor fee and security deposit. Ensure that you are financially prepared for this. If you foresee a monetary shortfall before arriving, you are authorized to request one month of advance Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA).

Upon arrival, Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) is received for temporary lodging and meals. You may receive up to 30 days of incoming TLA, with an approved extension up to 60 days. TLA will be paid and processed in 10-day increments (processed by the Housing Office).The Housing Office is able to grant up to a maximum of 60 days of Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (TQSA) for government civilians. For this reason, it is recommended that you ship your HHG early.

• Upon arrival, Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (TQSA) is received for temporary lodging, meals, and laundry. Note: This entitlement is not automatic.

Houses can range from fully furnished to unfurnished. Do not ship your U.S. washer, dryer, microwave, oven or refrigerator due to different voltage requirements. Poland uses a different voltage than the U.S.; be sure to look at your appliances to see if they are dual voltage or not. Poland is 220V and US is 110V. Purchase plug adapters and transformers in advance for electronics that are dual voltage. There are no loaner services available; however, a majority of the apartments are equipped with washing machines. Dryers are typically not available and storage space is limited. It is a common practice in Poland to have a heated drying rack. Traditionally in Poland, a lease agreement would have collateral, which would be another owned property of the tenants or permanent quarters elsewhere. Landlords want the ability to remove someone for non-payment after three months. With this condition, called “okazjonalny” (meaning “occasional”), in the lease, it gives them that leverage. Ask the Housing Office to review your lease before signing. The contract should be in English if you do not know Polish.

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

• You are responsible for rent and utilities.

• You will receive Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) or Living Quarters Allowance (LQA).

• The Housing Office will provide you with the lease agreement based on what allowance you are authorized (LQA, OHA or per diem).

House Hunting online

Polish sites like www.otodom.pl and www.olx.pl provide the best overview of available housing. The housing team will also coordinate viewings in your local area.

House Hunting in person

Stop by the Housing Office to get an approved real estate agency listing. There will be more private rentals to select from by talking to the staff than online. If you elect to use a real estate agent to locate housing, you may not be reimbursed. Civilian employees may have the opportunity to claim partial reimbursement. Please consult the Garrison Housing Office or your Civilian administrator before agreeing to utilize a real estate agent.

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

• If utilizing the real estate agency, which is also available in the Housing Office, the agency will be the one to show you a home.

• Many apartments in Poland come fully furnished with a bed, refrigerator, washer (no dryer), dresser/closet and television.

• It is important that you do not sign any lease agreement until the Garrison Housing Office has reviewed it.

ALLOWANCES

Service members on PCS orders typically receive a monthly OHA.

• You must aggressively seek off-post housing while at TLA. You are required to view three listings within the first 15 days and then a minimum of five listings each additional week while on TLA.

• Your OHA rate is based on your rank and location. Visit www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/oha.cfm to get the current OHA amount.

• Another financial entitlement is Dislocation Allowance (DLA). DLA is used to offset or reimburse expenses due to a PCS. Talk to the Finance Office for more information.

GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN PERSONNEL ON PCS/TCS ORDERS TYPICALLY RECEIVE A MONTHLY LQA

You should have received an LQA Determination of Eligibility from the Civilian Human Resources Agency. If not, please see your civilian administrator prior to locating temporary lodging. TQSA may be approved up to 60 days and submissions must be made every thirty days.

MIHA is a one-time allowance to cover the move-in costs associated with moving into a new place at the start of a PCS.

• Use www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/oha.cfm to get the current MIHA amount.

• Check with the Housing Office for any other allowances you may be entitled to.

• Military and civilian personnel on long-term TDY orders receive per diem.

• Personnel should consult with their Organizational Defense Travel Official to determine if “Rental/Contract” housing is authorized. If authorized, please visit the Housing Office to determine your options.

PAYING RENT AND UTILITIES

The tenant pays the landlord/property management directly. This includes rent and utilities such as electricity and water.

• It is preferable to pay via a certified check or an electronic fund transfer using an IBAN.

• The first month’s rent is due on the move-in date.

• Rent is due every month on the move-in date.

• Keep a record of all your rental and utility payments.

• Electricity

• The electric bill will be maintained under the landlord’s name, so you pay it alongside your rent amount.

American Forces Network (AFN)

AFN Provides programming from current U.S. networks and prime channels. You can use a decoder and satellite for AFN when living on the German economy or sign up for the AFN Now streaming service.

Streaming Services

Show variety and availability may be limited because you are outside of the U.S. Use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can allow you to access certain U.S. programming. Examples include Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, etc.

FIRST STEPS

Contact your local transportation office when you have your orders to schedule your three authorized shipments (total weight cannot exceed 18,000 lbs.). Ship light as many of the apartments or homes are fully or partially furnished.

• Unaccompanied Baggage (UB) up to 350 lbs.

• Household goods (HHG) being shippe dto Poland.

• Non-Temporary Storage (NTS). Since NTS is authorized for this location, you may want to leave some of your larger furniture and appliances in storage for the duration of your overseas tour.

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.

INSPECT YOUR HOME

In order to avoid liability for damages to your home or property caused by the movers, take note of the damages to your household goods paperwork. Note everything that isn’t right such as missing boxes or damaged goods. Be sure to make copies of all the paperwork and take pictures of any damages.

FILING A CLAIM

You have 75 days to submit a notice of loss or damage report in the Defense Personal Property

System from the scheduled delivery date. From that point, 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 receipt purchases of your damaged goods.

• Keep any paperwork until all claims are processed.

APPLIANCE TIPS

• You will need a power converter/transformer to use your American electronics (110-v plug in) in your Polish home.

• Transformers are to be negotiated with the landlord.

• Check with your landlord for specifications on appliance size.

Welcome to Poland