Acquiring new housing is one of the most stressful parts of the PCS process. There are various housing options depending on where you will be living: renting, owning, base housing. You will need to figure out the option that is best for you. Take the time to do research about the area, and look at your financial situation, new BAH, and availability of housing before deciding. Be aware, that in some areas, base housing is mandatory.

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No matter where you go, you will have to complete an Application for Housing form, DD1746. The new unit housing officer should reach out and send the DD1746 to the member. Again, this is required no matter what type of housing is available at the new location. On the DD1746, you will indicate if you wish to live in base housing, or on the economy. The Coast Guard’s policy is to fill Coast Guard housing to the maximum extent possible before releasing people to the economy. Once a decision has been made by the housing office, the member will receive a DD1747 form, Status of Housing Availability. The form will indicate if you have been assigned housing or released to live on the economy. This form must be kept and turned in to the Yeomen as part of the PCS check-in process. NOTE: you legally cannot enter into a housing contract or rental agreement until after you have received the DD1747 and been released. For more information about the Coast Guard’s Housing Policy, check out the Housing Frequently Asked Questions document.

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There are many DoD bases located near Coast Guard units that provide on-base housing for Coast Guard members. Your local housing officer will be able to provide you with specific information regarding the DoD base’s housing policy. You can check out the Coast Guard and DoD Housing page to see if there is a base near your new location. Note that many of the DoD branches give priority to their members first, and some may not accept applications from outside their service. Again, check with your local housing officer for more information. A list of Coast Guard housing offices on the DoD/Coast Guard Housing page.

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Also, be sure to check out the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) page to understand how BAH is calculated.

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Below are some great resources to help you in your housing search. Coasties on the Move and Coast Guard PCS are excellent social media pages to link up with recommended realtors and where many members post about their houses for sale or available rentals.