A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move can be one of the most stressful aspects of military life, but taking advantage of House Hunting Permissive Temporary Duty (TDY) days can make the transition smoother. This self-funded 10-day TDY allows Air Force members to search for housing at their new duty station before officially relocating. Not only can this help with securing a home or apartment, but it also provides an opportunity to explore base amenities and get a feel for the surrounding community.
When I moved from North Carolina to Colorado, I used my 10 days of house-hunting permissive TDY to help with the transition. However, I quickly realized that while I had 10 days authorized, staying in Colorado Springs for the full duration would be costly. I ended up spending only five days exploring the area in person and used the remaining five days back home in North Carolina to make phone calls with realtors and lenders, research homes to buy, look into rental options in case purchasing didn’t work out, and downsize our apartment. It felt like a full-time job, but it was essential in making our PCS as smooth as possible.
Understanding House Hunting Permissive TDY
House Hunting Permissive TDY is a discretionary benefit that allows service members time off to find housing without being charged regular leave days. However, it is important to understand that this TDY is self-funded, meaning that the member is responsible for all associated costs, including transportation, lodging, and food.
One key requirement is that you must have a formal assignment before requesting this TDY. While many assume they need orders in hand, that is not necessarily the case. Orders are sometimes not cut until closer to the departure date, but as long as a formal assignment notification has been received, service members can typically proceed with the request.
Because approval is at the commander’s discretion, it is not guaranteed. Each unit has different manning and mission requirements that may impact whether or not a request is approved. Coordination with leadership and first-line supervision is crucial to increasing the chances of approval. By working around the unit’s operational needs, service members can align their request with a schedule that benefits both their transition and their unit’s mission.
How to Submit House Hunting Permissive TDY Request in LeaveWeb
Submitting a request for House Hunting Permissive TDY is done through the Air Force LeaveWeb Portal, following a process similar to requesting regular leave.
- Log into LeaveWeb as you would for any standard leave request.
- Select “+ New Leave” from the left-hand sidebar.
- Complete the Leave Request Form using the following details:
- Duty Status: Active
- Type: (T) Permissive
- Upload Supporting Documents: Some units require additional documentation, such as travel plans or itineraries, so be sure to check with your leadership.
- Rule Number: Select “1 – House Hunting – PCS” from the dropdown menu.
- Explanation: Enter the justification as “Permissive TDY for House Hunting in accordance with AFI 36-3003 PTDY Rule 1.”
- Leave Area: Choose the correct location where house hunting will take place (CONUS, Overseas, or OS to CONUS).
- Leave Address: Provide the location where you will be staying, whether it is a hotel, Airbnb, or base lodging.
- Emergency Phone: Enter a reliable contact number where you can be reached during the TDY.
- Supervisor & Backup Approver: Coordinate with your chain of command to determine the appropriate approvers, as the commander may delegate signing authority.
After submitting the request, regularly check LeaveWeb for status updates. If the request is delayed or denied, follow up with leadership to determine if adjustments can be made.
Things to Consider Before You Go Your House Hunting TDY
Once your request is approved, planning ahead will help you make the most of your time. Here are some key considerations before departing:
1. Be Aware of Your New BAH Rate
Your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) will play a major role in determining what type of home you can afford. Depending on where you’re moving, your BAH could increase or decrease significantly. In some cases, you may be used to affording a four-bedroom home at your current duty station, only to find out that your new location will only allow for a two- or three-bedroom residence within budget. Understanding your new BAH rate in advance will help set realistic expectations and guide your housing search.
2. Identify What’s Important for You and Your Family
Housing isn’t just about square footage or affordability—it’s about finding the right fit for your lifestyle. Consider factors such as:
- Commute times to work and schools
- Proximity to base amenities like the Exchange and Commissary, where groceries can be significantly cheaper
- School districts and child care options if you have children
- Entertainment and community life, whether you prefer to live near a bustling downtown or a quieter suburban area
Taking time to identify what matters most will help narrow down your search and avoid wasting time looking at options that won’t work for your family’s needs.
3. Research and Interview Real Estate Professionals
If you’re buying a home, choosing the right real estate agent is key. Before settling on one, interview multiple agents to gauge their communication style and understanding of your needs. Most real estate professionals in military-heavy areas are familiar with PCS moves, but that doesn’t mean they’re all the same. The best agent for you will be someone who listens, communicates well, and can navigate the local market effectively.
When I PCS’d to Colorado, I made a point to speak with several agents before deciding who to work with. I wanted to ensure I had someone who not only had experience with military moves but also understood what I was looking for. While many realtors had access to the same data and listings, the difference came down to responsiveness and how well they could tailor their recommendations to my needs.
Military Resources Available to You
There are several military resources available to assist in the house-hunting process. Taking advantage of these services can make the transition smoother and help you avoid potential pitfalls.
- Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) – The Relocation Assistance Program at your new duty station can provide valuable insight into housing options, cost of living, and local community resources. A simple phone call or email can connect you with a specialist who can guide you through the process and even schedule an in-person meeting during your visit.
- School Liaison Program – If you have children, the M&FRC can connect you with the base’s School Liaison Program manager. They can help you navigate local school options and even assist with enrollment, ensuring a smoother transition for your children.
- Military Housing Office – This office can provide details on available base housing and help you get on waitlists. They can also review rental agreements from landlords in the community to protect you from predatory lease terms.
Making the Most of Your Air Force House Hunting TDY
Once your TDY is underway, being efficient with your time is crucial. Schedule home tours in advance, meet with lenders if you’re buying, and explore the local area to see if it fits your lifestyle.
As I learned during my PCS, house hunting isn’t just about visiting homes—it’s about preparing for the move as a whole. While I spent five days in Colorado Springs exploring neighborhoods and viewing properties, I spent the remaining five days back home making calls, researching, and downsizing our belongings. That preparation was just as important as the in-person visit, if not more so.
Using House Hunting Permissive TDY wisely can help reduce stress and uncertainty during a PCS move. While approval is not always guaranteed, proactive coordination with leadership and a well-organized request can improve the chances of success. Proper planning before, during, and after the TDY will ensure a smooth transition to your next duty station.
