Military members are generally reliable, responsible and courteous, although they can seem strange or intimidating to someone who’s never been around them. But all the stuff they learned in the service? That makes them great roommates and tenants!
In case you’re not familiar with all of the awesome traits our miltiary service members – and their families – have, here are 11 reasons why you should rent a room to someone in the military:
- They are used to group living situations. Military members have lived in barracks and tents, and slept on the ground and in the backs of trucks. They’re good at compromise, making a plan and sticking to it, and group dynamics. They also aren’t too picky about the décor and won’t care at all about that pink wallpaper in the bathroom.
- They may be familiar. If you’re military, too, you speak the same language. If not, you’ll learn a new one! You may need to get used to terms like Roger that! and soup-sandwich. Oh, and prepare to be called ma’am or “Sir” or “Ma’am” even if you are only a few years older than your prospective tenant.
- They aren’t always around. Between long days, TDYs, and deployments, your rented room might end up unused half the time, but you’ll still get your rent. Military members are often gone out of town, out in the field, or pulling duty overnight. Don’t expect to see too much of them on a regular basis.
- They’re trustworthy. You know they have had a thorough background check. Plus, most jobs require at least a basic security clearance if not more. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do your own due diligence, it just means you have another layer of protection – provided by the U.S. government.
- Their paycheck is reliable. They’re trustworthy and you know they have a job and a steady income – which includes an allowance for housing. Not only that, but they can’t just quit their job or be fired without months of paperwork. And we do mean months.
- They can’t hide. They can’t just skip out on you, and if they cause trouble, you can track them down pretty easily. They can actually be charged with a crime for leaving town without prior authorization, so you don’t have to worry about tracking them down.
- They’re accountable. In the military, everyone is accountable to someone above them. If your military roomie is late on rent or causes trouble, chances are one call to their commanding officer or enlisted leader will fix that real quick.
- They’re a good example. Chances are they are healthy eaters, and work out regularly. Those habits just might rub off on you!
- They’re clean. They’ll scrub the bathroom with a toothbrush, without even being asked. They’ll also do all their own laundry and make the bed every day.
- They’re smart. Thanks to watching so many movies and reading so many books, they are a walking encyclopedia of trivia. Go ahead, ask them anything, especially about American history. And don’t forget to take them along to trivia night – you will definitely want them on your team!
- They’re fun. They probably own a huge flat screen TV, most likely accompanied by the latest gaming system. Don’t ask how we know this, we just do.
Renting a room – or your whole house – to military is a great way to make sure it’s well cared for. If you have any questions on what this looks like, let us know. We’re here to help!
Written by: Jan Childs
