1. What is the Pet Policy?
Pets will be allowed in the homes, however, there is a limit of two pets per home and they must be kept on a leash when in the common areas. Along with the pet limitation you will be required to follow the pet policies. We do have breed restrictions. They are Doberman Pincher, Rottweilor and Pitt Bulls.

2. Can we include a Doggie Park in our plans?
That is a great suggestion and we will discuss this idea with our planning committee.

3. If children have to change school districts, will the school buses be available to pick them and take them to their new school?
The school bus routes will remain the same, therefore, if you require school bus service you will be required to transport your children to the appropriate bus stop.

4. Can we choose which school district we want to live in?
The school district will differ, depending on whether you live on McGuire AFB or Fort Dix.

5. Is there a demolition schedule available?
As the schedule is solidified, we will post this information on our website under the Project List.

6. What will these new homes cost – BAH?
The government assigns the service member’s BAH based on his/her location and his/her rank. An allotment from the service member’s salary account is set up to pay rent to MAC. The rent allotment for each service member is equal to his/her BAH entitlement. An important thing to remember is that rent equals 100% BAH. This ensures fairness because all service members are paying 100% of their BAH for rent regardless of the unit they select.

7. What about BAH for dual military households?
Rent will be established as the ranking service member’s BAH with dependant rate. The BAH of the other service member will be retained by the service member.

8. Who will pay our moving costs if we are relocated due to demo/construction?
Either UC or the government will pay for moving costs due to demo/construction.

9. What type of appliances – gas or electric – in the kitchen?
The kitchens will be equipped with electric appliances.

10. How do we handle exterminating?
We handle exterminating requests the same as service requests. They can be entered online on our website or called directly into the Management Office.

11. How is the out of pocket expense calculated for utilities?
After the developer has metered the utility consumption of a unit type for at least two years, they will determine an average utility cost for that unit. Continuing with our example, let’s say that the average monthly utility cost for the house that our SSgt lives in is $120/month. Ten percent will be added to that amount ($120 + 10% = $132). Our SSgt will file a new allotment, changing the rent from the total BAH to BAH minus this average utility cost + 10%. What this means is that $1452 will still appear in the entitlements section of our SSgt’s LES, but only $1320 will be allotted out now, increasing the SSgts EOM pay by $132. If the SSgt is Joe Average, they will use $120 worth of utilities each month and so have to write a check for that amount. They will therefore have made $12 more a month than they did under privatization. If they use a little more utilities than average, they will break even. If they use a lot more utilities than average, they will pay out of pocket and if they use less utilities than average, they will make more than the $12/month. The amount of the utility allowance will be adjusted annually based on actual utility commodity cost. The adjusted cost will be approved by the Government.

12. What are our lease terms? Do we offer Month to Month leases?
Our Lease is for a 12 Month Term, however, built into this agreement is a 30 day notice to vacate. Additionally, when United Communities begins its management term, your new lease with UC will be the balance of your current lease agreement.

13. What is the occupancy limits on bedrooms – how many people per room?

14. Visitors – will we still have to sign visitors on and off base?
Yes. All security measures will remain in effect per government guidelines.

15. Will the Self Help Store still be available?
Yes, self help service will continue at Fort Dix and McGuire.

16. How much lead time will we be given when our current home is due to be demolished to get ready for a move?
We strive to provide the highest level of customer service to our residents, therefore we will provide ample notice to you when the demolition schedule commences.

17. Schools – How long will our children be able to stay at their current school?
Children will be entitled to finish out the current school year, before having to transfer to another school.

18. What is the time frame for correcting existing maintenance issues?
We plan to “hit the ground running” on our first day as your new management company. We are currently compiling and outfitting a staff upwards of 20 maintenance technicians to service your needs. Existing maintenance requests will be prioritized and addressed in the shortest time possible.

19. What will the average utility cost be?
A utility allowance is calculated from within the BAH. A portion of the rental payment will be set aside as a utility allowance. The utility allowance is computed annually based on the average usage for specific types of homes. United Communities will be responsible for utility costs until meters are installed. Meter installation and separate utility billing will commence approximately in 2008.

20. What is the mowing schedule?
We do all yard maintenance except mowing inside fenced yards. We mow and edge the lawn, trim trees and shrubs, and maintain the beds. You may plant annuals in your beds but need prior permission to plant trees, shrubs or perennials. We also do all chemical treatments, fertilizer and herbicide. This is an important environmental issue, as these chemicals must not be allowed to wash off into the storm drains, and the amount used in a housing area is an important safety issue. The typical mowing schedule is every ten days – this schedule could increase or decrease based on the current conditions.

21. Will we provide help with transfers to new homes due to the demo/new construction?
UC will provide help with the transfer to new homes due to demo/new construction.

22. Is there a demolition schedule available?
United Communities is working with the Government on the demolition schedule. As the plans are approved, we will post this information on our website under the Project List.

23. What will these new homes cost?
The rent allotment for each service member is equal to 100% BAH. An important thing to remember is that rent equals 100% BAH.

24. What about rent for dual military households?
Rent will be established as the ranking service member’s BAH with dependant rate. The BAH of the lower ranking service member will be retained by that service member.

25. If children have to change school districts, will the school buses be available to pick them and take them to their new school?
The school bus routes will remain the same; therefore, if you desire school bus service you will be have to transport your children to the appropriate bus stop if you want to utilize school bus service.

26. Who will pay our moving costs if we are relocated due to demo/construction?
The Government and/or United Communities will pay for moving costs.

27. Will the Self Help Store still be available?
Yes, United Communities will offer self help service.

28. How much lead time will we be given when our current home is due to be demolished to get ready for a move?
We strive to provide the highest level of customer service to our residents, therefore we will provide ample notice to you when the demolition schedule commences.

29. What is the time frame for correcting existing maintenance issues?
We plan to “hit the ground running” on our first day as your new management company. We are currently compiling and outfitting a staff of maintenance technicians to service your needs. Existing maintenance requests will be prioritized and addressed in the shortest time possible.

30. What is the mowing schedule?
We will perform all yard maintenance except mowing inside fenced yards. We will mow and edge the lawn, trim trees and shrubs, and maintain the beds. You may plant annuals in your beds but need prior permission to plant trees, shrubs or perennials. We will apply all chemical treatments, fertilizer and herbicide. If your yard requires special attention -- for example, if you are bordered by a wooded area and experience overgrowth, UC will address these needs.

31. What is the Pet Policy?
Pets will be allowed in the homes; however, there is a limit of two pets per home. United Communities Pet Policy is currently under review by the Government and will be posted on the website after approval.