New BAH policy means changes to renter’s insurance

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Gonsier
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Effective Jan. 1, renters insurance will no longer be included in basic allowance for housing in privatized housing.

BAH rates will solely be based on local costs for rent and utilities in each military housing area. 

"In response to the renter's insurance elimination from BAH, the Air Force elected to remove any requirements previously included in any privatized housing project to provide renters insurance to on-base military tenants at no cost," said Brig. Gen. Timothy Green, Headquarters Air Force, Director of Installations and Mission Support.

For tenants living in privatized housing on Barksdale, the Family Housing Office will continue to provide coverage for those currently on their lease.

"Despite the announced change, Hunt Military Communities will continue to provide full renters insurance, including personal property coverage, for all current residents through Nov. 1, or the date the resident's lease expires," said Dreamer Dowden, Barksdale Family Housing, Community Director. "Any future changes to renters insurance coverage will be in accordance with the resident's lease."

The decision to eliminate coverage requirements was not made lightly, according to the Air Force Civil Engineer Center. BAH ensures the privatized housing projects on base are able to be self-sustaining. The Air Force removed rental insurance requirements from the projects because the Department of Defense removed the renters insurance component from the BAH. 

The Air Force recommends Airmen obtain independent renters insurance to fully cover their personal property and to include liability coverage. Depending on the type of policy, renters insurance can cover expenses incurred beyond the cost of replacing personal belongings. Most renters insurance policies provide coverage for accidents and injuries that occur in or outside tenants homes regardless of who or what caused the accident or injury.

For any questions, contact the Barksdale community housing office at 318-747-2723.