Published: 05/06/2026
Yesterday we attended a meeting with the RAF Lakenheath Housing Office to discuss the current rental market, property standards and what both agents and landlords can do to improve the experience for incoming military families.Here are our 5 key takeaways:
1. OHA is not a target rent
The Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) exists to support service members with their housing costs. It should not be viewed as a target rental figure. The Housing Office explained that historically some agents have used OHA as a benchmark when pricing properties. Whilst rents in Mildenhall and the surrounding villages were once significantly ahead of neighbouring areas, we’ve seen other locations catch up as housing supply has reduced locally.
2. Mould remains the biggest Life Safety Inspection failure
The most common reason properties fail a Life Safety Inspection is mould. Prevention is always better than cure. At Beatrice Carter, our managed properties receive three routine inspection visits each year, with landlords receiving a full photographic report. This allows issues to be identified early before they become larger problems for future occupiers.
3. Move-in dates matter
Incoming members are advised to focus on properties that are genuinely available and ready to occupy. The Housing Office will not arrange inspections or proceed with housing approvals whilst a property is still occupied by an outgoing tenant. This is one reason why we avoid advertising properties too early. A property marketed too far in advance can often lose momentum before it becomes available.
4. Aim to exceed the checklist
Some agents express frustration when inspectors identify issues that are not specifically listed on the inspection checklist. Our view is simple: the goal shouldn’t be to scrape through an inspection. The goal should be to present a property that passes comfortably and provides a great home for the incoming family from day one.
5. Demand is changing
The extraordinary demand seen during 2021 and 2022 was largely driven by the arrival of the F-35 programme. Whilst the market has become more balanced since then, the Housing Office advised that approximately 1,000 service members are expected to arrive in the area over the next five months. Competition between available properties remains strong, meaning presentation, condition and pricing have never been more important.
A big thank you to the RAF Lakenheath Housing Office for taking the time to meet with local agents. These conversations help ensure we continue providing the best possible experience for both landlords and military families moving to our area.