As a renter, you might think about offsetting some of your costs by finding a roommate. Even as a regular property owner or landlord, renting to or sharing an apartment with military tenants can be an excellent business decision. After all, these are the people protecting our country and ensuring that we’re safe. They go through a lot of training to get to this point. So, it’s safe to assume that they’d also be disciplined and responsible roommates.
There are several reasons why you might consider sharing an apartment with single military members. Let’s have a look at some of these and consider their details.
1. Can Be a Safe Option for Rentals in Less Populated Areas
When you’re a property owner, property manager, or landlord, you’re aware of all the challenges at stake. You have to manage and maintain the property, and with no tenants, the entire burden of such tasks falls on you. If the rental is in a community that doesn’t have many renters, a nearby military installation could be worthwhile.
In the absence of nearby colleges or shopping centers, your rental property will be in demand by many military members, as they'll need off-base housing.
2. You're Assured of Rent Payments
Active duty military members get a BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing). This covers around 95% of the rent and other costs of living off-base. For the landlord, this means that the rental payments shouldn’t be a problem unless the military members plan to transition out or retire.
Simply put, military members can’t hide from their employers. They can’t leave you in the lurch without rental payments one fine day. Even if you get a bad apple that skips out without paying the rent or causes some trouble, it should be easy to track them down, as the military itself would get involved.
3. Group Living Shouldn't Be a Problem
If you're renting to single military members sharing a space, that shouldn’t be a problem. After all, they’re used to living together in the barracks and even more cramped quarters such as tents or bunkers. Military members tend to also be experienced in group dynamics.
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4. A Common Language
If you’re already familiar with the military, you’ll be used to the military jargon. If not, it’s pretty easy to pick it up. The tenants will probably address you as “Sir” or “Ma’am” no matter your age. So, that’s a nice bit of respect to enjoy.
Looking for a short-term rental as a military member? Start here!
5. Trustworthy Tenants
Before any landlord or property owner takes on a tenant, they have to conduct a background check on them. This verifies the person’s character as well as their ability to pay the rent when the time comes. When you’re renting out to single military members, however, more than half the work is already complete.
For one, you know that the military has done a very thorough background check on them already. Certain military career fields also require high security clearances.
Do Your Homework
Of course, we’re not saying that one can just shut their eyes and hand over the keys to their property to any military member. Stay diligent, ask for the required documents, and do some checks of your own. Above all, trust your instinct before sharing your space with anyone, military or not. In the case of military members, though, the U.S. government does provide you with an extra means of protection. They have all the records and information about each member of the military.
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6. Ample Vacancy Notice and Peace of Mind
In addition to having a reliable paycheck, you can also be sure that it’s not easy for military members to leave right away. They can’t even be dismissed without several months for paperwork and other reasons. They also can’t quit at a moment’s notice; if they do plan to leave the service, you’ll know well in advance. This knowledge will give you a bit of time to find another tenant.
Keep Your Rental Space Attractive
Do keep in mind that the military members will also be comparing apartments. They won’t be content with just any roof over their heads. The more appealing you make a certain space, the quicker it’s likely to get a tenant again.
Curious about the SCRA and military clause in a lease? Learn more here.
7. Accountability
Another advantage of renting or sharing an apartment with single military members is that they are accountable to someone else of a higher rank. So, if you have a military roomie who is late with their rent payment or is causing other issues, all you need is a call to their chain of command to help get resolution to the problem.
The Takeaway
Some people might be wary of renting or sharing their space with single military members. Their habits might even seem intimidating to those who aren’t familiar with military training. However, there’s no denying that their service and training teaches them a lot of etiquette and manners. At the end of the day, military tenants can make the best kinds of roomies, and can be a great financial decision as well.
At the end of the day, it just feels really good to support or help your protectors in any way. Yes, you’re charging them rent for the space. But there’s so much one can do to make things as comfortable as possible for military members. These are the people who fight for the freedom of the whole country at great personal risk. By providing a nice living space for them and enhancing their experience there, you can do your part in supporting single military members. This practice, in turn, will have a positive effect on the whole community. Don’t hesitate anymore; scout around and see how you can share an apartment with military members today!
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