MRP Property Management Practices 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A military family's BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) does not cover the full asking rent. What is the MRP's best guidance?
- Advise the client to decline the property immediately
- Help the client negotiate rent, explore lower-cost alternatives, or consider splitting costs with roommates (Correct answer)
- Recommend the client extend their BAH appeal before renting
- Suggest the client pay out-of-pocket without further analysis
Correct answer: Help the client negotiate rent, explore lower-cost alternatives, or consider splitting costs with roommates
MRPs help military clients maximize BAH by negotiating rent or identifying alternatives that fit within the allowance.
Question 2: Which document is most important for a property manager to review before a military tenant invokes the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to terminate a lease?
- The tenant's most recent credit report
- Official military orders directing a permanent change of station (PCS) or deployment of 90+ days (Correct answer)
- A letter from the tenant's commanding officer stating intent to move
- The tenant's DD-214 discharge document
Correct answer: Official military orders directing a permanent change of station (PCS) or deployment of 90+ days
SCRA lease termination requires official military orders, not informal letters or discharge documents.
Question 3: A property manager receives a security deposit dispute from a military tenant who PCS'd abruptly. What is the correct handling under SCRA?
- Withhold the full deposit because the tenant broke the lease
- Apply normal state law deposit rules since SCRA only covers lease termination
- Return the deposit minus legitimate deductions; SCRA termination is lawful and cannot be penalized (Correct answer)
- Require the tenant to appear in person to resolve the dispute
Correct answer: Return the deposit minus legitimate deductions; SCRA termination is lawful and cannot be penalized
A valid SCRA termination is not a lease breach, so landlords cannot penalize the tenant beyond normal allowable deductions.
Question 4: What is the standard timeframe for SCRA lease termination to take effect after proper written notice is delivered?
- Immediately upon receipt of notice
- 30 days after the next rental payment is due following notice delivery (Correct answer)
- 60 days after written notice
- 90 days after the date of military orders
Correct answer: 30 days after the next rental payment is due following notice delivery
SCRA specifies termination becomes effective 30 days after the next rent due date following proper written notice.
Question 5: An MRP client on a short-term unaccompanied assignment asks about furnished vs. unfurnished rentals. Which factor is MOST relevant to their decision?
- Whether the property is within the BAH rate
- Length of assignment and whether household goods shipment is authorized (Correct answer)
- The property's proximity to a golf course
- Whether the landlord accepts pets
Correct answer: Length of assignment and whether household goods shipment is authorized
Assignment length and HHG authorization determine whether moving furniture is practical or cost-effective.
Question 6: Which type of rental arrangement is most commonly used by military members on temporary duty (TDY) assignments lasting 30–90 days?
- Long-term lease with a break clause
- Month-to-month lease or extended-stay furnished apartment (Correct answer)
- Purchase with leaseback agreement
- Standard 12-month lease
Correct answer: Month-to-month lease or extended-stay furnished apartment
Month-to-month or extended-stay options offer the flexibility needed for short TDY assignments without lease penalty exposure.
Question 7: A property manager notices maintenance requests go unresolved for weeks at a rental occupied by a deployed service member's family. What is the MRP's recommended action?
- Advise the family to contact the housing office and document all requests in writing (Correct answer)
- Tell the family to handle minor repairs themselves
- Contact the deployed member's unit for authorization
- Recommend the family move to on-base housing immediately
Correct answer: Advise the family to contact the housing office and document all requests in writing
Documenting requests in writing and escalating through proper channels protects the tenant's rights and creates an accountability trail.
MRP Property Management Practices 2
A military family's BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) does not cover the full asking rent.
What is the MRP's best guidance?