Government Housing

The Military Housing Office (MHO) is located on RAF Lakenheath (Building 429) next to gate 2. There are 1,006 Military Family Housing (MFH) units serving the Tri-Base Area, RAF Lakenheath, Mildenhall, and Feltwell. MFH units are available for active-duty military, of all ranks, who are accompanied by command-sponsored dependents.

Applying for Government Housing

If you are interested in MFH on the installations, please register your interest at www.home.mil/HEAT. Please note that this is advance notice that you desire MFH. You will not be added to the waitlist until you arrive on station and have attended the Newcomer's Briefing. In accordance with local policy, all service members on an accompanied tour will be offered a house or placed on the waiting list for military family housing RAF Lakenheath Military Housing Office - LOCAL POLICY.pdf - All Documents (dps.mil)

Currently the Military Family Housing is experiencing high occupancy levels, you may get a house offer if one is available in your category, but this not guaranteed. Upon arrival please be sure that you are immediately searching for community housing (off base homes) in the local vicinity (20miles/60-minute commute). If you need transportation to viewings, please reach out to your sponsor for assistance.

Community Amenities at RAF Lakenheath

• Rugby's Café & Eatery
• Bowling Alley
• Golf Club
• Liberty Club
• Burger King
• Subway
• Base Theatre
• Pinkerton's
• 48th Street Café Military Dining Facility
• Breckland Pines Grill & Steak House
• Great Little Pizza Place
• Knights Table Military Dining Facility
• Liberty Lanes Grill 48
• Launderette

Please note this is not a comprehensive list; other services are available.

Community Amenities at RAF Mildenhall

• Subway
• American Roadhouse Grill
• Bowling Centre & Grill
• Daily Grind
• NY Pizza & Deli
• Galaxy Club
• The Music Shop
• Bob Hope Community Centre
• Burger King
• Taco Bell
• Baskin & Robbins
• Launderette
• Base Theatre
• Mickey's Tea Bar

Please note this is not a comprehensive list; other services are available.

Personal Property Insurance

You need to obtain legal liability and personal property insurance for your possessions and should choose the options and amounts that best fit your needs and lifestyle.

School Information

The five schools at RAF Lakenheath have different catchment areas. For a listing of which area is covered by a particular school please look at the information in featured documents. For further information on the schools themselves please visit the DODEA website.

• Lakenheath Elementary
• Feltwell Elementary
• Lakenheath Middle School (Feltwell)
• Liberty Intermediate School (Lakenheath)
• Lakenheath High School

Unaccompanied Housing at Lakenheath

At RAF Lakenheath we strive to create an inclusive environment that cultivates the development and training of Airmen. The Air Force recognizes that the management of Unaccompanied Housing (UH) facilities is critical to an Airman's development process. UH is a personal residence and we strive to provide a modern, functional, well maintained and comfortable home, as well as promote pride, professionalism and personal dignity.

UH is provided for unaccompanied Airmen in the ranks of E-1 to E-3 and E-4 with less than 3 years of service. Each Airman is provided a private sleeping room, furnishings, bed linens and supplies required for comfortable living. (Room arrangements may vary depending on location)

Unaccompanied Airmen in the rank of E-4 with greater than 3 years of service and above will move into housing in the local community. Please refer to the Housing in the Local Community section for information and assistance on securing housing.

The permanent party UH campus at RAF Lakenheath consists of one plus one unaccompanied dorm rooms and the dorms for Airman standard.

Amenities

Amenities include shared bathroom, shower and individual sinks.

Restrictions at RAF Lakenheath include no pets and all personal furniture is required to be placed in storage prior to PCS.

Base Specific Policy

During your orientation, the ADL or UH Management Office representative will inform you of all Air Force and base-specific policies.

UH Management Office Staff

The UH Management Office is staffed with professionals that can assist with all of your housing needs. Staffs vary but can be comprised of non-commissioned officers (NCO), Senior NCOs and some bases have civilian employees. The assigned military are Airman Dormitory Leaders (ADL). These members are highly motivated personnel dedicated to ensuring that residents receive quality service. ADLs will provide you guidance and advice on UH life as well as mentor you on succeeding in the Air Force.

Assignment Procedures

As soon as you are notified of your assignment, contact your gaining unit and request to be assigned a sponsor. Your sponsor will be another military member assigned to your unit and will assist with your move. The sponsor or gaining unit must then contact the UH Management Office to notify them of your impending arrival date and work to secure you a dormitory room.

Unit Integrity

In most cases, you will be assigned a room in an area of the dormitory set aside for the personnel who work in your unit. This is to promote camaraderie among squadron members. If a room is not available near other members of your unit, you may be assigned a temporary room until one with your unit becomes available.

Planning Your Move

Prior to travel, arrange to meet your sponsor or someone from your unit upon arrival at the gaining installation.

If you arrive on a business day during normal duty hours, have your sponsor escort you to the UH Management Office. An ADL or a civilian Dorm Manager will take you through the process of checking you into your room and performing a move-in inspection and inventory of the allotted furnishings and supplies.

If you arrive on the weekend or after normal duty hours, have your sponsor make arrangements to pick up your room key from the UH Management Office or acquire a hospitality room for you until you can meet with an ADL or Dorm Manager.

If you obtain your room key outside of normal duty hours, it is still a mandatory requirement to report to the UH Management Office the next duty day for in-processing.

Resident Responsibilities

You will be expected to keep your room and any shared living space clean and tidy. Cleaning supplies and equipment can be provided to you free of charge. You will also be accountable for your room and the furnishings provided. Residents may be held liable for any damages beyond normal fair wear and tear.

See your ADL or UH Management Office representative if you have any questions about your resident responsibilities.

Inspection Program

The Installation Commander establishes a base-wide UH inspection program focused on health and safety. Squadron Commanders and unit First Sergeants implement the inspection program and visit rooms to ensure that all residents from their squadron comply with installation standards.

Bay Orderly Program

UH residents are expected to assist in the cleaning and upkeep of common areas and shared facilities of their "home." You will periodically be detailed to perform essential cleaning and minor maintenance around the UH campus.

Dormitory Councils

The Airmen Dormitory Council is the forum by which residents of an individual dormitory or group of dormitories address concerns about their living environment with a panel of their peers. The purpose of the council is to establish standards for all residents, present solutions for problem areas, establish positive recreational activities and identify facility and furnishing improvements. Participation at your location is a chance to be involved in shaping your living environment and provides an opportunity for personal growth and development in the areas of leadership and personal relationships.

Ask your ADL or UH Management Office representative about how you can get involved.

Termination

It is mandatory for unaccompanied Airmen in the ranks of E-1 to E-3 and E-4 with less than 3 years of service to reside in UH. An E-4 residing in UH reaching 3 years of service may be authorized to move out of UH and into local community housing. Contact the UH Management Office for procedures you must follow to clear your room. In certain circumstances, such as to make space available for more junior Airmen, you may be authorized to move out of UH before reaching E-4 with greater than 3 years of service. The most senior Airmen are released first. Your ADL or UH Management Office representative will advise residents when early release is necessary.

Space Available Rooms

When there is an excess of dormitory rooms, personnel in the ranks of E-4 with greater than 3 years of service and above may be eligible to reside in UH on a space available basis.

Contact the UH Management Office to inquire about availability.

Unaccompanied Housing at Mildenhall

At RAF Mildenhall, England, we strive to create an inclusive environment that cultivates the development and training of Airmen. The Air Force recognizes that the management of Unaccompanied Housing (UH) facilities is critical to an Airman's development process. UH is a personal residence and we strive to provide a modern, functional, well maintained and comfortable home, as well as promote pride, professionalism and personal dignity.

UH is provided for unaccompanied Airmen in the ranks of E-1 to E-3 and E-4 with less than 3 years of service. Each Airman is provided a private sleeping room, furnishings, bed linens and supplies required for comfortable living. (Room arrangements may vary depending on location) Unaccompanied Airmen in the rank of E-4 with greater than 3 years of service and above will move into housing in the local community. Please refer to the Housing in the Local Community section for information and assistance on securing housing.

The permanent party UH campus at RAF Mildenhall consists of seven facilities with unique configurations. Dormitories 107, 111, and 215 residents enjoy private sleeping quarters with a shared bathroom and kitchenette. Dormitories 108 and 224 are also configured with private sleeping quarters and a shared bathroom. Dormitory 210, our most recently renovated facility, offers each resident private sleeping quarters as well as a private bathroom.

Amenities

Amenities include close proximity to frequently visited base infrastructure (i.e. BX, Shoppette, Bowling Alley, Commissary, Enlisted Club, Dining Facility, MPF, Fitness Center, etc.), DSN telephones, dayrooms, game rooms, communal kitchens, storage lockers, WiFi availability, and AFN services.

Restrictions at RAF Mildenhall include but are not limited to air conditioners, animals (except fish), barbeque grills (may be stored only), burned candles or incense, electrical timers, flammable room decorations, flammable liquids, gases and paints, hot plates, toaster ovens, crock pots, portable heaters, sterno fuel, open flames, live Christmas trees, multiple outlet extension cords, solicitation, waterbeds, weapons, pornographic items, displays, symbols and literature related to extremist/hate groups, and any other activity/material deemed unsafe or non-conducive to good order and discipline.

Base Specific Policy

During your orientation, the ADL or UH Management Office representative will inform you of all Air Force and base-specific policies.

UH Management Office Staff

The UH Management Office is staffed with professionals that can assist with all of your housing needs. Staffs vary but can be comprised of non-commissioned officers (NCO), Senior NCOs and some bases have civilian employees. The assigned military are Airman Dormitory Leaders (ADL). These members are highly motivated personnel dedicated to ensuring that residents receive quality service. ADLs will provide you guidance and advice on UH life as well as mentor you on succeeding in the Air Force.

Assignment Procedures

As soon as you are notified of your assignment, contact your gaining unit and request to be assigned a sponsor. Your sponsor will be another military member assigned to your unit and will assist with your move. The sponsor or gaining unit must then contact the UH Management Office to notify them of your impending arrival date and work to secure you a dormitory room.

Unit Integrity

In most cases, you will be assigned a room in an area of the dormitory set aside for the personnel who work in your unit. This is to promote camaraderie among squadron members. If a room is not available near other members of your unit, you may be assigned a temporary room until one with your unit becomes available.

Planning Your Move

Prior to travel, arrange to meet your sponsor or someone from your unit upon arrival at the gaining installation. If you arrive on a business day during normal duty hours, have your sponsor escort you to the UH Management Office. An ADL or a civilian Dorm Manager will take you through the process of checking you into your room and performing a move-in inspection and inventory of the allotted furnishings and supplies.

If you arrive on the weekend or after normal duty hours, have your sponsor make arrangements to pick up your room key from the UH Management Office or acquire a hospitality room for you until you can meet with an ADL or Dorm Manager. If you obtain your room key outside of normal duty hours, it is still a mandatory requirement to report to the UH Management Office the next duty day for in-processing.

Note: Forward one copy of your orders to your sponsor or directly to the UH Office no later than 7 days prior to your arrival to RAF Mildenhall. This will ensure that we are prepared to receive you as well as expedite in-processing to the dormitories.

Resident Responsibilities

You will be expected to keep your room and any shared living space clean and tidy. Cleaning supplies and equipment can be provided to you free of charge. You will also be accountable for your room and the furnishings provided. Residents may be held liable for any damages beyond normal fair wear and tear. See your ADL or UH Management Office representative if you have any questions about your resident responsibilities.

Inspection Program

The Installation Commander establishes a base-wide UH inspection program focused on health and safety. Squadron Commanders and unit First Sergeants implement the inspection program and visit rooms to ensure that all residents from their squadron comply with installation standards.

Bay Orderly Program

UH residents are expected to assist in the cleaning and upkeep of common areas and shared facilities of their "home." You will periodically be detailed to perform essential cleaning and minor maintenance around the UH campus.

Dormitory Councils

The Airmen Dormitory Council is the forum by which residents of an individual dormitory or group of dormitories address concerns about their living environment with a panel of their peers. The purpose of the council is to establish standards for all residents, present solutions for problem areas, establish positive recreational activities and identify facility and furnishing improvements. Participation at your location is a chance to be involved in shaping your living environment and provides an opportunity for personal growth and development in the areas of leadership and personal relationships. Ask your ADL or UH Management Office representative about how you can get involved.

Termination

It is mandatory for unaccompanied Airmen in the ranks of E-1 to E-3 and E-4 with less than 3 years of service to reside in UH. An E-4 residing in UH reaching 3 years of service may be authorized to move out of UH and into local community housing. Contact the UH Management Office for procedures you must follow to clear your room. In certain circumstances, such as to make space available for more junior Airmen, you may be authorized to move out of UH before reaching E-4 with greater than 3 years of service. The most senior Airmen are released first. Your ADL or UH Management Office representative will advise residents when early release is necessary.

Space Available Rooms

When there is an excess of dormitory rooms, personnel in the ranks of E-4 with greater than 3 years of service and above may be eligible to reside in UH on a space available basis. Contact the UH Management Office to inquire about availability.

Community Housing

Housing in the Local Community

The Military Housing Office (MHO) provides all DoD personnel with a personalized service to assist in locating suitable housing in your new host country. Moving to a new country can often be confusing and stressful; however, it can also be exciting. Living off base provides members and families the chance to experience a new culture and make friends with their host country neighbors. The MHO will assist you every step of the way to help you find your new home in the local community.

The Referral team will provide you the latest information on the local housing situation as well as local laws governing off-base housing. The MHO partners with landlords, realtors and property managers to make sure you receive the most current information about the local housing market.

The communities surrounding RAF Lakenheath offer a number of rentals for those seeking housing off base. There are various styles of homes found in the U.K. The most common houses in England are:

• Detached (a house not joined to another)
• Semi Detached (two houses joined together, similar to a duplex)
• Terrace (several houses joined together)
• Flats (apartments)
• Bungalow (single story home)

All off-base rentals in the overseas area are required to be inspected and approved by the Military Housing Office prior to signing a lease. Please do not make a firm commitment for off-base housing until after you have arrived and viewed the property. To expedite your housing search, please refer to HOMES.MIL to view available pre-inspected homes under our Rental Partnership Program (RPP). You may also search for housing within the local community through various search engines and local letting agencies. Please do not submit any personal identifiable information (PII) or documents such as your orders or ID card to individuals or agencies or share authorized OHA amounts.

The RAF Lakenheath Housing Office has a phone number specifically for off-base referral inquiries. You can reach them at DSN 314-226-2000, option 1.

Please note that many landlords do not allow pets, so ask before making any commitments.

After you move into your home, the MHO is available for on-going assistance should you need to communicate with your landlord.

Temporary Furnishings

Loaner furniture is available through our Furnishing Management Section (FMS), free of charge for up to 90 days from lease start date. Items included are:

• Dining Room Table & Chairs
• Living Room Furniture
• Bedroom Furniture

Long Term Furnishings & Appliances (Duration of your tour)

The following items can be supplied for the duration of your tour:

• Fridge
• Stove
• Washer & Dryer
• Transformers
• Wardrobes

English homes often do not have closets. Two wardrobes per family member can be issued through FMS. If you have a lot of clothes, you might consider purchasing portable wardrobes, under-bed chests, or similar storage units to augment the wardrobes.

Many people end up storing furniture after they arrive or sell excess items. Houses, apartments and rooms are often smaller in England than in the U.S., so you may have more furniture than you need or have space for.

Think before you put items in storage. If you can do without these items for three to five years.

Housing Allowance

You will receive an Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) while stationed overseas, if you do not reside in Military Family Housing, OHA is adjusted to the dollar's value against the pound. Rent caps are established by rank. A member will either receive OHA in the amount equal to their rent rate or the rate cap, whichever is the least. You will also receive a monthly utility allowance that will help pay your utility costs. You may also receive a Move-In Housing Allowance if you do not reside in Military Family Housing. This is a one-time allowance that is received when first renting a house on the economy to defray the setup cost of moving into a house to include transformers, curtains or any other items needed to furnish your house.

Information on rates and allowances
http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/

TLA Procedures

Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) is an entitlement to help defray the cost of lodging while seeking permanent housing. TLA is closely monitored and certain criteria must be met to continue to receive TLA. Members will be briefed on their TLA entitlement and their responsibilities at their Newcomer’s Briefing. It is extremely important to attend this briefing immediately upon arrival. TLA is authorized for payment while member is "aggressively seeking housing."

Lodging should be reserved as far in advance of your arrival as possible and should be secured for a full 30 days. Please coordinate with Liberty Lodge on RAF Lakenheath or Gateway Inns on RAF Mildenhall for your lodging needs. After the initial 30 day stay, you will become space-available and may need to secure other lodging.

Upon arrival and after attendance at the MFRC Newcomer's Briefing an Assistance Counsellor will be assigned to all newcomers, they will be your Housing POC to assist with any TLA or OHA questions and reimbursements that you may have.

School Information

For families, we understand that where your children attend school plays a large factor in the decision of where to live.

For more information about schools, visit the DODEA website.

Please contact the DoDD's school office:

School Liaison Office
Unit 5185 Box 30
APO, AE 09461-5470
Phone 011-44-1638-52-5077
Phone (DSN) 314-226-5077
Fax 011-44-1638-52-3895
Fax (DSN) 314-226-3895

 

 

 

 

 

 

Important Links

DODEA

Referral and Relocation Assistance

Furnishings Management

RAF Lakenheath Public Website

RAF Mildenhall Public Website

48th FSS Airman & Family Readiness Center

100th FSS Airman & Family Readiness Center

OHA Allowances

Get to Know RAF Lakenheath/Mildenhall

DODDS School Services

Phone & Broadband Comparison

AFN Television Information

Newcomers Package

Government Housing Brochure

Housing Referral Tenant Checklist

School Bus Commuting

Adequacy Standards Checklist for Community Housing

Furnishings Management Brochure

Housing Office Comment Card

Environmental Hazard Risk Disclosure

UH Resident Brochure

FMS Landlord Tenant Statement