Planning Your House Hunting Trip

All the Military Relocation Realtor’s who are members of this directory are experts in Military Relocation Rules and Requirements. As your Local Expert they can greatly assist you and your family during the relocation process.

House Hunting Trip – Entitlement

A house hunting trip is an optional entitlement for the purpose of seeking residence at the new duty location; your agency will determine if this is authorized. Reimbursement includes travel and transportation expenses for you and/or your spouse, together or individually, for one round trip between the old and new duty station.

***All costs associated with a HHT are taxable including centrally billed airfare.***

Things you need to know:

HHT is authorized for employee and spouse only. Dependents may accompany at your expense.
Both the old and new Permanent Duty Station (PDS) must be located in the United States or in a non-foreign OCONUS location like Alaska or Puerto Rico.
A round trip performed by the employee must be completed before reporting to the new permanent duty station.
Your spouse may take a HHT at any time before relocation of the family to the new PDS (must begin within one year of employee report date).
HHT days used are subtracted from the first 30-day period of TQSE (AE) when more than 30 days of TQSE are occupied.

Meeting Your Military Relocation Expert

Typically the First Day we will get to know one another, review itinerary that I have produced and start to look at some local homes and neighbourhoods. This will be a very busy day! For newcomers to our city, a quick physical orientation of information in terms of areas and amenities can be arranged. We will have talked prior to your arrival about your preferred neighbourhoods in general and housing requirements in particular. You will have already have been given information on the local listings that meet your criteria. Including a personalized website with all your property matches. We focus on seeing all your favs and complete possibilities list. We have you flag them in your portal so we can prioritize bookings.

The next few days we will focus on your priority neighbourhoods and will, ultimately, put in an offer on the house that suits your needs the best. I will assist in organizing all the follow up that is required concerning inspections, lawyers, mortgage brokers, insurance, etc.

I know how stressful it can be buying a home in such a short amount of time. I will do everything I can to make this as stress free and enjoyable as possible. We have information on schools, neighbourhood crime rates, property history reports, market statistics, and anything else that might be of value to you.

Section 4.1 Duration

4.1.01 Standard HHT

Core benefit

A standard HHT includes up to five days and five nights at the new location, for the CF member and/or spouse.

The total duration, including travel time, should not normally exceed seven days and six nights.

4.1.02 Dependants

Custom benefit

Dependants accompanying CF member and/or spouse

(TB amended, 1 September 2012)

4.1.03 Extended HHT

Custom benefit

When the CO authorizes annual leave, CF members may extend the duration of a standard HHT by up to an additional four days/four nights, for the following purposes:

Finding accommodation; and
CF member/dependant issues.

CF members must make the necessary travel amendments.

(TB amended, 19 April 2018)

4.1.04 Standard DIT

Core benefit

A standard DIT includes up to three days and three nights at the new location, for the CF member or spouse.

The total duration, including travel time, should not normally exceed five days and four nights.

Home Inspection

Buying a a home will be one of the biggest investments that your family will make. Protecting your investment should be of paramount importance. Read article of Why you need a Home Inspection. Most Real Estate Offers to Purchase come with a standard Home Inspection condition. This condition allows you to renegotiate or back out of an offer if unexpected deficiencies or expenses are discovered during the home inspection. Always remember when buying Real Estate the Rule of Caveat Emptor – Buyer Beware applies in most situations.

Section 4.2 Planning

4.2.01 Timing

The HHT is to be taken after official notification of posting (for Regular Force)/employment message (for Reserve Force) and normally before COS date (for Regular Force)/commencement date of the period of employment (for Reserve Force). If accommodation has been secured prior to posting notification (for Regular Force)/employment message (for Reserve Force), entitlement is only for a DIT. The HHT may, in the circumstances set out in article 5.07, be taken after arrival at the new place of duty.

(TB amended, 19 April 2018)

4.2.02 Absence from work

CF members require authority from the losing unit Commanding Officer for their absence from work in order to conduct their HHT or DIT.

4.2.03 Travel by commercial carrier

Travel by commercial carrier shall be arranged by the service provider except when it was impossible to do so and was supported by the BComd/BAdmO (i.e. Operational reasons).

Commercial bookings may be made from locations other than the geographical boundaries of the HG&E for service or compassionate reasons only.

The only authorized changes to the travel itinerary are for service or compassionate reasons and must be made through the service provider.

Changes to travel itineraries or stopovers to accommodate pets are not authorized.

(TB amended, effective 1 September 2012)

4.2.04 HHT savings incentive – shortened HHT

When a CF member is entitled to the HHT savings incentive under article 1.2.2.06, an incentive of up to $250 will be added to the personalized funds when CF members plan a shortened HHT or return to their place of duty prior to using the full benefits of a standard HHT. The savings calculation shall include 100% of all lodgings, meals and incidentals for unused days based on a standard HHT minus any cancellation, transfer or change fees charged by the carrier.

(TB amended, 19 April 2018)

4.2.05 Short distance HHT/DIT

Where the old and new places of duty are in close proximity, CF members may travel back and forth each day, while on HHT or DIT. They are on duty status during this time, therefore CO’s approval, even for weekend travel, is required.

Reimbursement shall not exceed the cost and time provided for one standard HHT or DIT. Extra transportation costs are offset by the elimination of any accommodation costs at the new location.

For greater certainty, in cases where a CF member is entitled to the HHT savings incentive under article 1.2.2.06 the savings incentive does not apply to short distance moves when commuting daily to and from new/old place of duty.

(TB amended, 19 April 2018)

4.2.06 Multiple HHTs

Personalized benefit

When the first HHT is unsuccessful, CF members may take additional HHTs.

4.2.07 Recovery of HHT expenses

CF members who exercise the HHT benefit and subsequently re-occupy their former residence will be subject to recovery action. Recovery action shall be for the difference between the additional expenses received from the HHT and the entitlements authorized on a DIT. As applicable, this shall include savings incentives that have been paid to personalized funds.

(TB amended, 19 April 2018)

Section 4.3 Meals and incidentals

4.3.01 Entitlements

Reimbursement of:

meal entitlements are as per art 3.1.01; and
incidentals are as per Treasury Board Incidental Travel Rate, and
are based on the table below.

Topic	Core Funds	Custom Funds	Personalized Funds
HHT	For either the CF member or their spouse or both, the amount for up to 5 days at destination and for each day of travel.	For the CF member or their spouse or both, the amount for up to 4 additional days at destination for an Extended HHT. For each dependant who accompanies the CF member or their spouse or both, the amount for up to 9 days at destination and for each day of travel	The amount for additional days
DIT	For either the CF member or their spouse, the amount for up to 3 days at destination and for each day of travel.	If the CF member is entitled to receive dependent care assistance under the Core benefit in article 4.6.01, the amounts for up to 3 days at destination and for each day of travel for each dependant who accompanies the CF member.	Any amount for the CF member’s spouse, for each dependant, or for the spouse and each dependant, who accompany the member.

(TB amended, 19 April 2018)

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Section 4.4 Lodgings

4.4.01 Entitlements

Entitlements are to be reimbursed as per section 3.2 based on the table below:

Topic	Core	Custom	Personalized
HHT	Subject to article 11.2.08, for the CF member or their spouse or both, the amount for up to 6 nights at destination.	For the CF member or their spouse or both, the amount for up to 4 additional nights at destination for an Extended HHT. For each dependant who accompanies the CF member or their spouse or both, the amount for up to 10 nights at destination.	Any amount in excess of the reimbursement limits under Core or Custom Funds, in excess of the financial limit for Custom Funds, and for nights in excess of the limit under Custom Funds
DIT	Up to 4 nights	If single parent, dependants accompanying the CF member	Upgrade. Dependants, if accompanying the CF member (4 nights maximum)

Topic

Core

Custom

Personalized

HHT

Subject to article 11.2.08, for the CF member or their spouse or both, the amount for up to 6 nights at destination.

For the CF member or their spouse or both, the amount for up to 4 additional nights at destination for an Extended HHT.
For each dependant who accompanies the CF member or their spouse or both, the amount for up to 10 nights at destination.

Any amount

in excess of the reimbursement limits under Core or Custom Funds,
in excess of the financial limit for Custom Funds, and
for nights in excess of the limit under Custom Funds

DIT

Up to 4 nights

If single parent, dependants accompanying the CF member

Upgrade.
Dependants, if accompanying the CF member (4 nights maximum)

(TB amended, 19 April 2018)

Section 4.5 Travel and transportation

4.5.01 Travel time

Total travel time shall be no more than two days, except:

when	then
the return air travel journey cannot be accomplished in that period, because of distances and/or connections	the Relocation Counselor shall authorize expenses related to additional travel time to be paid as a core benefit.
a CF member selects and is authorized a slower mode of transportation that causes additional travel time and traveling expenses	additional expenses shall be a personalized benefit; annual leave must be taken for the additional days.

4.5.02 Transportation to and from destination

Entitlements are to be reimbursed as per section 3.3 based on the following:

Core benefit

transportation to and from the commercial carrier;
rental vehicle;
Private motor vehicle (PMV) – kilometric allowance not to exceed the total cost of commercial transportation;
motorcycle – 60% of the kilometric rate not to exceed the total cost of commercial transportation; and
parking and toll charges.

Custom benefit

Transportation to HHT for dependants, other than spouse.
Transportation to DIT for dependants, if single parent.

Personalized benefit

Transportation to DIT for spouse and dependants if accompanying CF member; and
Rental vehicle upgrade.

4.5.03 Local transportation

Entitlements are to be reimbursed as per section 3.3.

Core benefit

Local transportation is based on a maximum vehicle rental of:

seven days on a standard HHT; or
five days on a standard DIT.

If you are	you will be reimbursed
using PMV	the kilometric allowance (not to exceed rental vehicle costs including the Collision Damage Waiver/Loss Damage Waiver, if required).
using commercial transportation	actual and reasonable transportation expenses.

Custom benefit

For the period of an Extended HHT, payment of the same kilometric allowance, or reimbursement of the same actual and reasonable transportation expenses, that is available under the Core benefit.

Personalized benefit

Any additional costs incurred in excess of the Core and Custom benefits.

(TB amended, 19 April 2018)

4.5.04 Rental vehicle

Entitlements are to be reimbursed as per art 3.3.02 based on the table below:

HHT or DIT	Core funds up to	Custom funds up to	Personalized funds
HHT	7 days	4 additional days for an Extended HHT	Vehicle upgrade costs for either a standard or extended HHT or for both
DIT	5 days	–	Vehicle upgrade

There is no entitlement to local rental vehicle when PMV is the primary mode of transportation and additional expenses are claimed.

(TB amended, 19 April 2018)

Section 4.6 Expenses during HHT or DIT

4.6.01 Dependant care assistance

As per art 3.4.02, CF members may be assisted with dependant care costs that are in excess of existing dependant care arrangements for:

dependants under 18 years of age; and/or
dependants 18 years of age and over who are incapable of caring for themselves due to a physical or mental disability.

Core benefit

Daily allowance or actual expenses when on:

HHT; or
DIT if single parent or CF member is away on official military assignment (Temporary Duty, Attached Posted, Ops, etc.).

Custom benefit

Daily allowance or actual expenses when on extended HHT.
Dependant care expenses in excess of daily maximum rate.
Return transportation for a third party to origin to provide dependant care, cost not to exceed the cost of transportation for one dependant from origin to destination return.

Personalized benefit

daily allowance or actual expenses when both CF member and spouse travel on the DIT; and
when all custom funds have been expended.

Note: Dependant care assistance may be reimbursed at both origin and destination depending on the requirement.

(TB amended, 19 April 2018)

4.6.02 Business telephone calls, facsimile and Internet

Core benefit

Actual expenses for phone/fax/internet to facilitate acquisition or inspection of residence:

HHT – Max of $50 (including taxes); and
DIT – Max of $30 (including taxes).

4.6.03 Pet care

Reimbursement for boarding pets is limited to actual and reasonable basic commercial care.

Custom benefit

Nil.

Personalized benefit

On HHT; and
On DIT for:
- CF members without dependants,
- Single parents,
- Spouse when CF members away on official duty, and
- CF members and spouse together on DIT.

(TB amended, effective 1 September 2012)