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How to Report Appalling Conditions in Military Housing

Joe Wallace

Are you a single soldier living in Army barracks with serious neglect issues? Are you a member of a military family dealing with leaking pipes, lead paint, and pests? Have you reported these issues but have gotten no resolution? 

You are not alone. One source reports, “Roughly 700,000 service members and their families live in privatized military housing, where they could be subject to the dangerous living conditions created by substandard landlords.”

It’s not fair to ask recruits to enlist in the United States military and ask them to potentially sacrifice their lives in exchange for a career in uniform and then place them in mold-infested and cockroach-infested barracks and military family housing. 

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Yet, that seems to be what the Department of Defense is trying to do in light of headlines like the following from 2022 to 2025:

• Military housing company derelict in duties even after guilty plea, Senate finds (2022, Federal News Network)
• Military Barracks Blasted Over Horrid Living Conditions, Lack of Accountability (2023, MOAA.org)
• Toxic and dangerous conditions at US military bases exposed — uncooked food, mold and busted air conditioning (2024, New York Post)
• Photos from U.S. military bases show mold, mice, roaches and brown water in living quarters and dining areas (2024, NBC News)
• From Toxic Mold to Rampant Fraud: How Privatizing Military Housing Became a Nightmare for Soldiers (2024, Project On Government Oversight)
• Navy Orders Forcewide Housing Inspections After Secretary ‘Appalled’ by Guam Barracks Conditions (2025, Military.com)
• Families sue over ‘appalling’ conditions in Florida military housing (2025, Military.com)

Military barracks, often referred to as Unaccompanied Personnel Housing (UPH) or dormitories, are typically owned, operated, and maintained directly by the military branch.

These facilities are designed for single service members or those on unaccompanied tours. Maintenance and habitability issues in barracks fall under the purview of the base’s Directorate of Public Works (DPW) or equivalent facilities management department, with oversight from the unit’s chain of command.

Different Military Housing Types

Privatized Military Housing (PMH), also known as Military Family Housing (MFH), is a result of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI). Under this initiative, the Department of Defense (DoD) partnered with private companies to construct, renovate, maintain, and manage family housing on or near military installations.

While the land remains government property, the housing units themselves are managed by private entities. While the military technically retains oversight, the day-to-day management, maintenance, and initial problem resolution fall to the private housing company. This dual-layered responsibility can sometimes complicate the reporting process.

Military Housing Problems to Report to Your Chain of Command

Mold and Mildew

Mold can manifest as black, green, white, or orange patches, often accompanied by a musty odor. Mold results from excessive moisture from leaks, poor ventilation, or high humidity. Mold exposure can lead to health problems, including:

• Respiratory Issues: Asthma exacerbation, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath.
• Allergic Reactions: Sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, skin rash.
• Other symptoms are headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea.
• Prolonged exposure can lead to more severe chronic conditions, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems, young children, or the elderly.

Pest Infestations

Pest infestations, such as those caused by cockroaches, rodents (mice, rats), bed bugs, ants, and spiders, can transmit diseases, contaminate food, and cause structural damage.

• Cockroaches: Carry bacteria, allergens, and can trigger asthma.
• Rodents: Spread diseases (Hantavirus, Salmonella), contaminate food, and can cause structural damage by gnawing.
• Mites, Bedbugs: Cause itchy bites, leading to skin irritation and potential secondary infections from scratching.
• Ants and Spiders: While generally less hazardous, large infestations can be a nuisance and some spiders are venomous.

Structural and Maintenance Deficiencies

Beyond mold and pests, a wide array of structural and maintenance problems can compromise living conditions:

• HVAC Issues: Non-functional heating or air conditioning, or a failure to control climate due to maintenance, lack of upgrades, or other issues.
• Plumbing Leaks: Leaky pipes, faucets, or toilets contribute to water damage and mold.
• Electrical Problems: Faulty wiring, non-functional outlets, flickering lights, posing fire hazards.
• Roof Leaks: Water intrusion from damaged roofs, leading to interior damage and mold.
• Broken Appliances: Non-functional refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers.
• Security Concerns: Broken locks, windows, or inadequate lighting.
• Lead-Based Paint: Chipping or deteriorating lead-based paint poses a serious risk in older housing, especially to children.
• Asbestos: In older buildings, disturbed asbestos-containing materials can release harmful fibers.

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Reporting Problems With Military Housing

Whether you live in barracks or privatized housing, a systematic approach to reporting will help you get a faster resolution to your problem. Documentation is your most powerful tool throughout this process.

Document Everything

Before making any contact, gather comprehensive documentation. This step cannot be overemphasized.

• Photographs and Videos: Take clear, timestamped photos and videos of the problem. Capture the extent of mold growth, pest activity (e.g., droppings, live insects), water leaks, structural damage, etc.
• Dates and Times: Note the dates and times you first noticed the problem and any subsequent developments.
• Symptoms/Impact: If the problem affects your health (e.g., mold causing respiratory issues), document your symptoms, doctor visits, and any medical diagnoses.
• Communications Log: Create a detailed log of all communications, including:
• Date and time of contact.
• Method of contact (phone, email, in-person).
• Name and title of the person you spoke with.
• A summary of the conversation and any commitments made.
• Reference numbers for work orders.
• Keep Copies: Always keep copies of all correspondence, work orders, medical reports, and any other relevant documents.

Initial Reporting (Tenant/Resident Level)

For Military Barracks:

1. Unit Leadership: Report the issue to your immediate supervisor, NCO, or unit leadership. They are often the first line of defense and can initiate work orders through the proper channels (e.g., DPW).
2. Barracks Manager/Billeting Office: If your unit leadership is unresponsive or if the issue is minor, you can directly contact the barracks manager or billeting office responsible for your building. They typically have a process for submitting maintenance requests.
3. DPW/Facilities Management: For more significant issues or if other avenues are slow, you can directly submit a work order to the base’s Directorate of Public Works (DPW) or equivalent facilities management office.

For Privatized Military Housing (PMH):

Your lease agreement will specify the private housing management company responsible for your unit. The company is your primary point of contact for housing issues. Consider the following steps:

• Submit a Work Order: Follow the company’s established procedure for submitting maintenance requests. This is usually done online via a resident portal, by phone, or sometimes in person at their office.
• Be Specific: Clearly describe the problem, location, and impact. Include your unit number and contact information.
• Request a Reference Number: Always ask for a work order or reference number for your request.
• Follow Up: If you don’t hear back within their stated timeframe (e.g., 24-48 hours for urgent issues), follow up.

If your initial report doesn’t lead to a timely or satisfactory resolution, it’s time to escalate.

For Military Barracks:

1. Chain of Command: Continue to escalate through your unit’s chain of command (e.g., Platoon Sergeant, Company First Sergeant, Company Commander). Provide them with your documentation and the history of your attempts to resolve the issue. Emphasize any health impacts.
2. Base Housing Office (Military Oversight): Even though barracks are military-managed, the base housing office (which often oversees PMH as well) can sometimes assist with barracks issues, especially if DPW is unresponsive. They can act as an intermediary or apply pressure.
3. Installation Command: If the chain of command and base housing office are not providing adequate support, you may need to consider escalating to the Installation Commander’s office (e.g., through the Command Sergeant Major or Chief Master Sergeant). This is a significant step and should be taken with thorough documentation.

For Privatized Military Housing (PMH):

• Housing Management Company Supervisor/Manager: If the initial work order isn’t addressed or resolved properly, speak with a supervisor or manager at the housing company. Reiterate the problem and provide your work order numbers.
• Installation Housing Office (Military Oversight): This is an escalation point for PMH. Each military installation has a Housing Office (sometimes called the Housing Services Office or Family Housing Office) that provides military oversight of the private housing companies.
• File a Formal Complaint: Contact this office and explain your situation. They have procedures for mediating disputes and holding the private companies accountable. They can often exert significant pressure.
• Installation Command: If the Installation Housing Office cannot resolve the issue, escalate the problem to the Installation Commander’s office. They have ultimate authority over the base and its operations, including oversight of

External and Higher-Level Escalation

If all internal channels fail, external and higher-level avenues may be necessary.

For Both Barracks and PMH:

The Inspector General’s office (at the installation, command, or service level) investigates complaints of waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement. If you believe there’s a systemic issue, neglect, or a failure to follow regulations, an IG complaint can be very effective. Ensure your complaint is factual and supported by documentation.

• Army IG Hotline: (800) 752-9747  DSN: (312) 865-1845
• Marine Corps Hotline: (866) 243-3887
• Navy Hotline: (800) 522-3451 DSN: 288-6842
• Air Force/Space Force Hotline: (800) 538-8429 Local: 202-404-5354

Other resources include:

• Congressional Representatives: Service members and their families can contact their elected congressional representatives (Senators or Representatives). Congressional offices have constituent services staff who can inquire with the DoD or specific military branches on your behalf, often prompting a swift response.
• Legal Assistance: Military Legal Assistance offices can provide advice and, in some cases, direct representation for housing-related issues. They can help you understand your rights, review your lease (for PMH), and advise on potential legal actions. For PMH, this might involve breaking the lease or seeking damages.
• Environmental Health/Public Health: If the issue poses a health risk, contact the base’s Environmental Health or Public Health office. They can conduct inspections, provide health assessments, and issue recommendations or directives for remediation.

Your Rights and Protections

Service members and their families are not without rights. Familiarize yourself with these:

• Tenant Bill of Rights (PMH): This DoD document outlines rights for residents of privatized military housing, including the right to a safe and healthy home, a responsive maintenance program, and fair dispute resolution.
• State-Level Tenant Rights (PMH): While military housing has specific oversight, PMH residents also have basic tenant rights under state and local laws, although federal regulations or lease agreements can sometimes supersede these depending on circumstances.
• Service-Specific Regulations: Each military branch may have its own specific regulations regarding housing standards and reporting procedures.

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