The Spangdahlem Housing Office assists eligible service members and civilian employees in securing a home on the economy, or on the Air Base. AFI 32-6000 - “The Housing Flight is the only installation agency authorized to provide housing referral and relocation services.”
Accompanied members may choose to live in government-controlled quarters or may live on the German economy. Unaccompanied E-3s and below with less than three years of service live in on-base dormitories. Senior airmen (with more than three years of service) and above will reside off base.
Check out Spangdahlem's housing office website at http://www.housing.af.mil/units/spangdahlem/
Housing Allowance
If you live off-base while stationed overseas, you may be eligible to receive an overseas housing allowance (OHA). It is adjusted to the dollar's value against the Euro. Rent caps for economy housing are established by rank and dependent status. A member will either receive his or her rent or his or her rent cap, whichever is least. You will also receive a monthly utility allowance that should be used to help pay your utility costs.
You may also be able to receive a one-time move-in housing allowance (MIHA) when first renting a house on the economy. This allowance is designed to defray the setup cost of moving into a house, to include purchasing transformers, curtains or any other items needed to furnish your house.
To find information on rates and allowances, visit http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/
TLA Procedures
Temporary Lodging Allowance is intended to help defray the cost of lodging while seeking permanent housing. Service members will be briefed on their TLA entitlements and their responsibilities at Newcomer's Orientation, with specifics detailed at their individual Housing Brief. The Eifel Arms Inn generally blocks 15 days for a Temporary Living Facility or hotel room. Anything more than 15 days is space-available and may require further approval.
- Incoming service members are initially entitled to 20 nights in lodging, and the Housing Manager has authority to approve TLA up to 30 days (with valid reasoning); up to 60 days requires Command approval.
- TLA extensions will not be allowed when listings are available within a service member's bedroom entitlement, OHA ceiling, and acceptable community distance as determined by the Housing Manager. Note: the bedroom entitlement is less than many people prefer and does not distinguish between apartments, duplexes, stand-alone houses, etc.
- Pet issues, school districts, not liking the house or similar reasons are not justification for TLA extensions.
Furnishing/Appliances
The Furnishings Management Section (FMS) will provide large appliances, such as washer, dryer, refrigerator, etc., for you for the length of your tour. Houses, apartments and rooms are often smaller here than in the U.S., so you may have more furniture than you need or have space to accommodate. Think before you choose which items to place or not to place in storage. If you can do without these items for three to five years, are you better off selling them now? A five-year-old television you store will not be worth as much at the end of your three or four year tour. Save yourself the hassle, and the government some money, by selling or donating your unneeded possessions before you move.
Another feature of German living quarters is the lack of closets. The FMS will issue wardrobes for your household. The number you are authorized depends on the size of your family. If you have a lot of clothes, you might consider purchasing portable wardrobes, under-bed chests, or similar storage units to augment the wardrobes.
Off-Base Housing
One- to four-bedroom units are available to rent. Units with five or more bedrooms are available but can be difficult to find. Many landlords do not allow pets, so ask before making any commitments.
German Contracts (NO LONGER AUTHORIZED)
After your initial visit to the Housing Management Office, gaining assistance from German realtors on the Economy is authorized, however, some will charge a “finder’s fee.” Please note: the signing of a German Contract is no longer authorized. All eligible service members and civilians are required to obtain a USAFE lease (291A) from the Housing Office in order to receive entitlements and assistance from the Housing Management Office.