PCS

PCS means permanent change of station. It is a service member's move to a new duty location. Military OneSource describes it as being assigned to a location for 20 weeks or more, whether the assignment is for training or a new job.

PCS orders matter to rental owners in two ways. First, a service member who owns a home may get orders and need to rent it out instead of selling. Our military PCS rental management page covers that case, and it is for owners, not a tenant preference. Second, PCS orders can trigger rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act for a service member who rents.

Orders often come with short notice. Owners on orders should line up a manager, a lease plan and a rent-ready home well before the move date. Many owners also track BAH for their new duty station, since housing costs there affect their plans.

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