How to clear housing on or off post

On:
In: PCS Out
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USAG Stuttgart Directorate of Public Works – Army Housing Office

Are you leaving us? Here are some helpful tips for a smooth departure.

Off post procedures

First, request the official termination packet from the housing office. We will provide you procedures for notification to your landlord and tips for clearing your home. You must notify your landlord via German registered mail (“Einwurf Einschreiben”) or hand delivery prior to the required notice date; 90 days in most cases or 30 days with Military clause (see stipulations in your contract).

Have the landlord sign the termination notice and provide the original to you. Both the landlord and tenant should retain a copy for their records. Emailed or faxed termination notices are not legally binding according to German Rental Law.

A pre-termination inspection with your landlord is recommended 30-45 days ahead of your departure to identify problem areas that can be corrected in order to help you avoid or minimize costs due to your landlord. If problems are suspected between you and your landlord, you can request the Housing Services Referral Contractor accompany you and/or serve as mediator.

Once you have the termination notice signed by the landlord, submit a copy to the housing office and schedule a final termination inspection with the Housing Services Referral Contractor; ideally 30 days ahead of your desired
date. Scheduling as early as possible will increase the likelihood that your
desired date is available for you.

Meter readings must be conducted during the final termination inspection; the day you turn in the keys to your landlord. Reminder, a meter reading is required if you are a UTAP customer.

On-post procedures

Schedule a pre-termination inspection as early as possible. Orders are not required. This is recommended 45-60 days ahead of anticipated departure. During this inspection, you will be informed of estimated charges and provided recommendations for corrections ahead of your move out. The goal here is to help you keep charges for damages down.

Coordinate the movement of household goods (HHG) with the transportation office.

Final termination inspections should be scheduled for no more than 3 business days before departure (see TLA section). Personnel must have orders to schedule the inspection and HHG picked up ahead of the inspection.

Temporary Furniture and Appliances

Three full business days are required to schedule delivery and pick up of furnishings. If a desired delivery date is needed, as much advance notice as possible is helpful. Ensure your government appliances are cleaned and ready for pick-up to avoid potential charges. Customers must be on site during the pickup and should report any damages to the housing office immediately. Customers will be charged for re-delivery if not available for the scheduled delivery/pickup window, delivery was denied upon arrival of the warehouse team, or the wrong size or type of appliance was ordered by the customer. Verify items ordered and delivery date with the housing office during scheduling. User manuals for all appliances should be returned. Any loose parts, such as screw-in feet for dryers, should also be returned.

Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA)

Military members residing off post are authorized up to 10 days of outgoing TLA. On post family housing residents are authorized up to 3 days of outgoing TLA. Hotel stays beyond permitted timelines will likely result in personal expenses and should be avoided. Report delays to housing immediately for alternative solutions. Lodging reimbursement is sought by requesting a “TLA Document” from housing for processing by your finance office. Barracks residents are not authorized TLA.

Final Recommendations

Be sure to terminate your phone, internet, and other services/utilities prior to your final termination inspection. Most German companies have at least 90 days’ notice required for terminations. Provide good contact information for your landlord as utility reconciliation may be outstanding at your departure. All personnel must clear with the housing office prior to departure from USAG Stuttgart. This follows all final inspections (on or off post). Appointments can be scheduled via the USAG Stuttgart App and are highly encouraged. Walk-ins are also possible, but please be prepared for extended waiting periods. Office hours, locations, email address, phone numbers, and other helpful FAQs can also be found on the app.

Housing Phone Numbers