---
title: "What Is BAH? Landlord and Renter Glossary | Real Property Management Gold"
description: "BAH is Basic Allowance for Housing, a monthly military payment that helps service members cover housing costs when government quarters are not provided."
url: https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/bah
publisher: Real Property Management Gold
phone: +1-301-392-2172
assessment: https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us#assessment
---

Military

# BAH

BAH is Basic Allowance for Housing, a monthly military payment that helps service members cover housing costs when government quarters are not provided.

BAH stands for Basic Allowance for Housing. Military OneSource calls it additional pay meant to help service members pay for housing, based on housing costs in local civilian markets, when government quarters are not provided. It is meant to help, but it will not always cover everything.

For a rental owner, BAH is a fact about a service member's budget. It does not set your rent. Price your home from [market rent](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/market-rent) and apply the same standards to every applicant, as the [Fair Housing Act](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/fair-housing-act) requires. Do not advertise a home as made for any group.

If you are a service member who owns a home and gets [PCS](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/pcs) orders, BAH at the new duty station may affect your own housing plans. You can compare the rent you could earn on your home with your costs at the new location. Our [military PCS rental management](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/military-pcs-rental-management) page explains how owners on orders can plan.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; check the linked official source or talk to a Maryland attorney.

[Read nextRenting out your home when PCS orders send you away](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/military-pcs-rental-management)

## Related terms

-   [PCS](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/pcs)
-   [Market rent](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/market-rent)
-   [Servicemembers Civil Relief Act](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/servicemembers-civil-relief-act)

## Sources

1.  [Military OneSource: About Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)](https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/basic-allowance-for-housing/)
2.  [Military OneSource: Military Pay, Basic Pay, Allowances & More](https://www.militaryonesource.mil/resources/millife-guides/military-pay/)

## Ask what your home could rent for. Free.

A free rental assessment from our offices in Lexington Park and Waldorf. No cost, no contract, no pressure.

[Request a free assessment](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us#assessment)[(301) 392-2172](tel:+13013922172)