Key with house shaped keychain in door, closeup. (inxti (123RF))
There is plenty of variety when it comes to housing in Italy. Whether you end up living on base, or find a house locally, it will be exciting to settle into your new home.
Your first stop will be the Housing Service Center (HSC), which will assist you in finding a home. You must report to the HSC within 48 hours of arrival. For those who will be seeking housing off-installation, there is a mandatory Welcome Brief.
Housing Service Center (HSC)
NAS I, Bldg. 319 | +39-095-56-4311
Email: NASSIG-HousingHelpDesk@eu.navy.mil
Government Family Housing
Accompanied service members are assigned to government family housing on base. While living on base, the government covers the expenses of rent and utilities; you will not receive any Overseas Housing Allowance.
There are two housing areas:
· Hillis Drive – for senior and flag officers
· Marinai – for all accompanied personnel, enlisted and officers
Family housing at NAS Sigonella is primarily in townhouses with small, fenced backyards. They include central air conditioning, and both American and European style outlets with 110 and 220 volts, but at 50Hz.
Utilizing the Housing Early Assistance Tool (HEAT) allows you to start the process of registering for housing before arriving at Sigonella. Visit www.homes.mil/heat to register.
If housing is not available on base, you will be placed on a waitlist and must find housing off base. When a unit is available, the government will fund your move into family housing.
Unaccompanied Housing (UH)
Unaccompanied personnel E-1 to E-4 will be assigned to the Unaccompanied Housing (UH) facilities on either NAS I or NAS II. The dorms include private bedrooms and shared kitchen, lounge and bathroom facilities. Linens are provided. Bedrooms include a bed, drawers, desk, closet and TV stand.
No household goods (HHG) shipment is permitted for those assigned to UH, and pets are restricted.
Unaccompanied personnel E-5 and above, including geo-bachelors, and civilian employees will need to find housing off base. In addition, accompanied personnel may need to find off base housing if government family housing is not available.
While living off-installation, you are responsible for rent and utilities using your Overseas
Housing Allowance (OHA) or Living Quarters Allowance (LQA).
Finding a home
HSC Counselors assist newcomers in locating a residence off-base and can provide local housing market information. Service members must aggressively seek permanent housing and make every effort to sign a lease within 30 days of arrival and move within 45 days. There are two methods you may employ to find a home.
Realtor Program. Visit the HSC for a list of approved rental agents and managers. Approved realtors have background checks, insurance and are licensed to meet housing office standards. Approved agencies do not charge any fees to the tenants. Use of any other agencies, including those on Facebook, is strongly discouraged. Non-approved agencies may charge fees or use misleading practices.
Online. Search www.homes.mil for available residences near NAS Sigonella. Units found on the website are already approved for rent to NAS Sigonella personnel. During peak PCS season, from June to September, check daily for new listings. Visit the HSC in person to schedule a house viewing.
Lease Signing
Your housing counselor will assist you in the lease negotiation and signing. All private housing leases must be signed through the HSC to receive all housing services, including loaner furniture and OHA. All units must be inspected by HSC staff prior to the lease signing.
The lease is based on Italian law, and neither the HSC nor the U.S. Navy is a party to the contract. Copies of the lease agreement will be provided to the HSC, tenant, and landlord. Renters insurance is highly recommended.
Once the lease is signed, HSC staff will assist you with activating your utilities. This includes liaising on behalf of the customer with electric, gas and phone companies in your area. For utility issues, the HSC is your point of contact.
Utility contracts and bills will be in Italian. HSC staff are available to help customers understand their bill, but English versions of bills and contracts are not provided.
Electronics
Italian homes have 220-volt type F, and occasionally type L, outlets.
· Dual-voltage devices can be plugged in using an adapter.
· Single-voltage (110) devices will need to use a transformer. The HSC provides loaner transformers, but you may need to purchase additional ones.
Visit www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances to find current allowance rates.
Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA)
TLA reimburses temporary quarters costs while you are searching for a home or waiting for government housing. To be eligible, service members must be actively seeking housing and going on showing tours.
Personnel must get TLA approved through the Housing Office before submitting to their Command.
Utility activation after signing a lease can take 10-15 days, so account for this time within your TLA maximum to avoid paying out of pocket.
Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowances (TQSA)
TQSA is an allowance for certain civilian employees. It can be authorized for the reasonable cost of temporary quarters incurred for a period up to three months before signing a lease. Any questions about TQSA should be directed to your employer’s Human Relations department.
Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA)
This allowance includes three components: rental allowance, utility allowance and move-in housing allowance (MIHA). The HSC will provide your OHA form for starting the allowance when you sign a lease.
Rental allowance is a reimbursement of your exact monthly lease cost, not the entire amount up to your allowance cap.
The utility allowance is a flat rate amount given monthly to defray costs of electric, gas, water, garbage and other recurring home maintenance costs. It is not intended to cover phone, internet, gardening, cleaning, pools, etc.
The MIHA exists to help cover one-time move-in costs associated with occupying an off-base home. Components of MIHA can be used to improve the security at your new home. Visit the HSC for details.
Personnel can contact their Command to request an advance OHA payment to cover security deposit, first month’s rent or other startup charges.
The HSC provides furniture, appliances, wardrobes and transformers to eligible personnel. Services include loaner furniture, partial/full-tour furnishings and single-sailor member furnishings. Shipping major appliances to NAS Sigonella is not allowed as they are not compatible with Italian outlets and voltage.
Coordinate requests, delivery and pick-up appointments with the HSC.
Temporary Furniture
Tables, beds, chairs, dressers and more are available for up to 90 days after you move into your new home before your household goods arrive, and again for up to 90 days when you pack out.
Full-tour furnishings
Large appliances like washers, dryers, refrigerators and microwaves, plus transformers and wardrobes may be used for the duration of your tour.
