REFERRAL AND RELOCATION ASSISTANCE

Developing a sense of community here starts before you arrive at Morón AFB. We recognize the efforts behind this transition and want to make sure you are satisfied with the details of your move. To obtain Referral and Relocation Assistance, we encourage you to reach out for personalized services provided by the Military Housing Office (MHO) staff. 

There are two main towns in the area: Morón de la Frontera with approximately 30,000 inhabitants and the closest one to the base, and Utrera with approximately 50,000 inhabitants. The neighboring countryside is farmland and small villages. The climate is nice winters, with rainy spells and very hot summers.

Planning Your Move
Moving to an overseas location requires additional planning to make sure you and your family are prepared for the transition. There are many things you can do before you arrive to ensure the process to get settled in your new home and community is seamless.

Accompanied members may choose to live in government quarters or they may live in the community. However, despite the options, housing on base is limited to a very small percentage of the population due to the Department of Defense standard that drives housing numbers. More than 90 percent of the military population lives off base, so most newcomers should plan for this same scenario.

Lodging
Unaccompanied Air Force E-4s with less than three years of service and below must report to Dorms Management, Bldg. 515 (ensure your sponsor is helping coordinate with dorm management). Staff sergeant selects and E-4s with over three years of service will reside off base. Have your sponsor make reservations at Lodging for you and your family. They can reserve you a room for up to 30 days while you are searching for housing.

Drivers License
It is recommended that you possess a valid stateside drivers license. Contact Pass & ID department when you get here. If you plan to drive outside of Spain, you may want to consider obtaining an International Drivers License.

Power Requirements 
The electrical current in Spain is 220 volts and 50 cycles as opposed to 110 volts and 60 cycles in the United States. Transformers for use with small electrical appliances are available through the government Furnishings Management Office (FMO) which will also provide you with European appliances for the duration of your tour. 

Airman and Family Readiness Center (AFRC)
The local AFRC is another great resource to obtain pertinent information about the area. 

Additional Questions?
If you have any questions or require additional support, please contact the MHO for more information about preparing for your move to this location. 

HOUSING ALLOWANCES


Military members are entitled to various allowances to ensure the transition to a new location is as smooth and stress free as possible. If you have any questions about the allowances listed, please contact the MHO. 

Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) and Move-In Housing Allowance (MIHA)
For overseas areas only, individuals moving into community housing may be eligible for OHA and MIHA. Specific circumstances, conditions and requirements of OHA or MIHA are identified in the Joint Federal Travel Regulations.

These extra allowances are in place to off-set the higher costs of living in overseas communities. OHA is a reimbursement and based on actual expenses for rental and utility/recurring maintenance allowances. It is adjusted every pay period for changes in exchange rates. 

Members are also authorized a one-time Move-In Housing Allowance (MIHA). This allowance is provided for the purchase of supplemental items not normally available in foreign housing, but considered standard when renting in the community at U.S. locations such as window coverings, light fixtures, electricity connection, etc. For more information about your OHA and MIHA, visit the Defense Travel Management Office website.

Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) 
When you arrive at Morón AFB, you will be staying in temporary accommodations until you move into permanent quarters. TLA is an entitlement to partially offset the more-than-normal expenses incurred during occupancy of temporary lodging. 

Prior to your arrival, please work with your sponsor to secure temporary accommodations. Your sponsor can advise whether you will reside in an on-base Temporary Lodging Facility (TLF) or a local hotel.

If permanent housing is not secured within 10 days, military members are required to report to the MHO every 10 days for a recertification of TLA. For TLA entitlements to be extended for the next 10 day period, you must be actively seeking adequate housing as the MHO requires a list of the housing units visited and the reason why they were not acceptable. Reasons such us: looking for housing in other areas, house is too big, does not allow pets, don't have a car, etc, are not valid reasons for refusing adequate available housing. 

For more information about TLA at Morón AFB, please contact MHO. 

Living Quarters Allowance (LQA)
Civilian employees recruited from the U.S. are required to live in the local community and may be entitled to receive a Living Quarters Allowance (LQA). LQA is in addition to other allowances and, in most instances, covers most of the costs of housing, heat, electricity, trash, water, and sewer service. The maximum allowable rates depend on the location of the duty assignment, the grade of the employee and how many dependents are living with the employee. 

It is important for individuals to know that LQA is a reimbursement and based on actual expenses. It is adjusted every pay period for changes in monetary exchange rates. For more information on LQA please visit the State Department website.

Financing Your Up-Front Move-In Cost 
All service military members are entitled to a 100 percent advance of required up-front rent payments and security deposits. Service members must pay back the advanced rent in 12 monthly payments. They may request to have repayment of the security deposits over $500 suspended until termination of the rental contract. Upon termination of the contract the member is required to repay the full amount of the security advance. 

The MHO will assist you in completing the required paperwork to begin processing your rent advance. For specific questions about the program, please contact the base Financial Services Office.