Construction / Renovation Questions
Q: If I am moved out of my home due to renovation/demolition will I automatically be moved into one of the newly constructed homes?
A: No. Balfour Beatty Communities knows how stressful it can be to move as often as Military Families. Our goal is to place you in a permanent home that your family can enjoy during the duration of your tour.
Q: Who pays for the move if I choose to move into the local economy instead?
A: Balfour Beatty Communities will make every effort to maintain your residency. The choice to move into the local economy is yours. However, the move would be at your own expense if comparable housing is available within our community.
Q: How much notice will be given prior to the move?
A: All efforts will be made to provide as much notice as possible. However, you will be given a minimum of 30 days notice.
Q: What are the plans for new construction and renovation of current housing?
A: Phase 1 of new construction is complete, with a delivery of 78 new homes as of 2009. Phase 2 is currently being built with the estimated delivery of 117 new homes in the summer of 2010. Phase 3 residents are estimated to be moved summer of 2010 with demolition of old homes in fall of 2010. Our renovations team has renovated 11 homes in the River Oaks neighborhood.
Q: If I am moved due to renovation/demolition, will I have to clean my home?
A: The home must be clean from a health and safety perspective and the appliances must be fully cleaned. However, the standards of cleanliness will be less than for a unit that will be immediately reoccupied. You will be provided those standards by the Community Management Office.
Q: If my neighborhood is part of the construction and I have to move, who will pay for the move?
A: Your move will be paid for by Balfour Beatty Communities. You will also receive a utility reimbursement check to cover the expenses to transfer your cable and telephone services. You will be given the option of a DITY move or the services of a professional mover.
Utility Questions
Q: Will I have to pay utilities for my home?
A: Utilities (gas, electric, water and sewer) are included in your rent. Once all of the homes in a neighborhood are equipped with electric and gas meters, consumption and costs will be tracked for one year. An average consumption will be determined for each type of unit in each neighborhood and 115% of this average will be established as the utility allowance. You will be responsible for any amounts over the 115% average that has been established. You will receive rebates for consumption under 100%.
Q: When will homes be metered?
A: Homes will be metered as they are built or renovated. There is not a specific timetable for this addition. However, we anticipate that it will occur within the next four to six years.
Miscellaneous Questions
Q: Will I still be required to mow my yard?
A: Balfour Beatty Communities will mow all grass except for fenced in yards.
Q: Is there a self-help program?
A: Balfour Beatty Communities has on-site professional maintenance personnel to provide responsive care for every home. We ask residents to leave home repairs to these professionals by calling in a service request. However, a self-help facility will be provided where residents may obtain items like fluorescent light bulbs as well as lawn and garden tools. There are several types of items available, so be sure to contact the Facilities Team at (904)779-1060 for information regarding inventory, hours, and transport of equipment.
Payment Questions
Q: If both spouses are service members, do they both "forfeit" BAH rent?
A: Dual Military will pay rent equal to the “with dependents” BAH of the higher ranking spouse. This holds true, regardless of which spouse carries the dependents on their Page 2 and whether or not the “with dependents” rate is paid to that Member. The second spouse will collect their entire BAH in their LES unaffected by Balfour Beatty Communities.
Q: If my rent is late, do I need to pay a late fee?
A: The late fee for rent and all other charges that are not paid in a timely manner is $25.00.
Q: How much is my rent?
A: The amount of your rent is set at your BAH.
Q: If I receive a promotion or demotion, what is the amount of my rent?
A: The rent will increase for a promotion and decrease for a demotion. The rental amount is always the amount of the BAH. It is your responsibility to notify the Community Management Office within five (5) days of any promotions or demotions.
Q: What is the eviction policy?
A: Residents may be evicted for non-payment, egregious acts, or failure to follow Community Policies. The Command will always be involved in all eviction proceedings.
Q: Will I start to receive BAH?
A: Military families living in Privatized Housing will collect the BAH.
Q: Now that BAH is noted on my LES, is this amount taxable?
A: No, BAH is not taxable.
Q: Is the Security Deposit refundable?
A: Yes. These monies will be refunded to you when you move out, if all payments have been made and there is no excess damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Q: What does my rent include?
A: Your rent will include your electric, gas, water, sewer, and fuel oil for heat. It also includes a Personal Property Insurance policy to cover your personal belongings up to $20,000 with a $250 per incident deductible.
Q: Who is responsible for answering our payment questions?
A: You may direct your questions to the Community Management Office.
Q: Will my personal check be accepted for rent?
A: Personal checks are not accepted. You may pay your pro-rated rent by money order, debit card or credit card.
Q: Will rent be prorated if I move out other than the last day of the month?
A: The month will be divided in to 30 equal periods, despite the numbers of days in any given month. The rent will be assessed only for the days you lived in housing.
Q: How do I pay rent?
A: When you sign your lease, you will be asked to choose a payment option – either “Payment by Allotment” or “Direct Pay”.
If you chose “Payment by Allotment”, your BAH will be wired to the Military Assistance Corporation (MAC) who is a contractor that collects allotments and remits these payments to vendors. MAC will wire the funds to Southeast Housing, LLC (Balfour Beatty Communities). You will see the BAH on your LES as a credit to your pay. In addition, there will be a discretionary allotment listed payable to Southeast Housing, LLC. The advantages of the “Payment by Allotment” option are that you will not be required to pay a security deposit and your rent will be collected in arrears in accordance with your pay schedule.
If you choose “Direct Payment” you will need to make your rental payments directly to the Community Management Office. You will be required to pay a security deposit equal to one month’s of rent.
Pet Questions
Q: Is there a pet weight/policy?
A: The number of pets in a home is limited to two. Cats and dogs are permitted with no weight limit. There are restrictions which prohibit certain breeds that include; Akitas, American Bull Dogs, Chows, Dobermans, Pit-bulls, and Rottweilers. A Pet Addendum to the lease must be signed. Contact the Community Management Office for more information.
Assignment Questions
Q: How will the Assignment process work?
A: Service members will continue to go to the Navy Family Housing office to complete their application. The Navy Family Housing Office will determine your entitlement (number of bedrooms) and you will be referred to the Balfour Beatty Communities Management Office for the actual assignment.
Q: How will the waiting list process be managed?
A: The Navy Family Housing Office will maintain the referral lists by rank and bedroom size.
Q: Can a family be moved from a three bedroom to a two bedroom if they only have one child?
A: No. Once settled in, you will not be downgraded regardless of a reduction in family composition.
Q: What happens if my family size increases?
A: A transfer request will be placed through the Balfour Beatty Communities Management Office. You will be required to update your eligibility through the Navy Family Housing Office and be placed on the proper referral waitlist. The initial lease term must be fulfilled, and a 30 day written notice must be given prior to any requested transfer.
Maintenance Questions
Q: Who provides maintenance for my home?
A: Balfour Beatty Communities provides maintenance services.
Q: Whom do we contact with concerns of maintenance issues?
A: Residents may contact the Service Request Desk.
Q: How do we make a maintenance request?
A: Residents will be provided a telephone number at their installation to report an emergency, or to request maintenance repairs. Residents can also initiate maintenance service via our website.
Leasing Questions
Q: What if I receive orders to PCS or TDY for more than ninety days?
A: The lease contains provisions that allow you to terminate your lease with a thirty (30) day written notice and a copy of the orders.
Q: What if I receive immediate orders and am not able to provide thirty (30) days notice?
A: The lease allows you the flexibility to provide a shorter notice if you should receive immediate orders. Proper documentation is required in order to honor the notice reduction.
Q: Do I have to sign a lease?
A: Yes, all residents will be required to sign a lease in order to protect themselves as well as the partnership.
Q: What if I decide to "break" my lease for other reasons, prior to the 7 month expiration?
A: You will be required to provide a thirty (30) day written notice and pay a lease termination fee equal to 1 month's BAH.
Q: What is the length of the lease?
A: We are proposing that the lease be for 7 months and then continue thereafter on a month- to- month basis.
Q: What happens if a divorce occurs in a family residing in Housing?
A: The policy is the same as it was when the Housing was operated by the Navy. The first day that the service member resides away from the home, a thirty (30) day written notice must be submitted. The spouse and the family will be required to vacate the home within thirty (30) days of physical separation. In these cases, the lease may be broken without an early termination fee due to a change in family status.
Q: How will I sign the lease if military member is at sea?
A: Please designate a special or general power-of-attorney for your spouse. If you are unable to do that, please contact the Community Management Office for further assistance