MOAA-endorsed legislation introduced in the House and Senate last week would address systemic issues with privatized military housing – such as mold, lead-based paint, and rodent infestations – often reported by military families facing barriers to assistance and accountability.

The Military Housing Oversight and Service Member Protection Act (S. 5520/H.R. 10342), introduced in the Senate by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and in the House by Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) would improve oversight, increase transparency, protect tenants, ensure safe housing for servicemembers and their families, and promote ethical accountability.

Key provisions of the legislation include:

1. Holding Providers Accountable

A central aspect of the bill is strengthening oversight. The legislation requires the secretary of defense to develop formal written guidance for entering into and renewing housing contracts. If a contractor breaches the agreement and fails to take corrective action, the secretary is empowered to rescind the contract. In such cases, the bill mandates the development of a formal contingency plan to manage the affected housing units.

Additionally, every military installation will be required to establish a housing office staffed by employees of the respective military department. These offices will include independent housing inspectors tasked with conducting regular inspections to ensure housing units meet federal, state, and local standards of habitability.

[RELATED: GAO Report Finds Flaws in DoD’s Approach to Housing Challenges]

2. Detailed Financial Reporting

The bill emphasizes the need for greater transparency in the operations of housing providers. It requires these providers to publish an annual financial statement akin to a corporate 10-K filing.

Reports must include detailed financial information for each housing partnership with DoD, allowing for increased scrutiny and accountability.

3. Improved Tenant Protections

The bill introduces several measures aimed at ensuring the timely and effective resolution of housing issues. Maintenance requests cannot be closed in the system until an independent inspector approves the work, for example.

Furthermore, the legislation codifies that all federal, state, and local housing protections — including those regarding habitability and eviction — apply to servicemembers living in privatized housing.

4. Providing Medical Care

Recognizing the potential health implications of unsafe housing, the bill directs DoD to take a proactive approach to medical care. This includes:

• Establishing guidance for military treatment facilities to screen for health conditions related to unsafe housing.
• Creating a health registry to monitor and track medical conditions acquired from substandard housing.
• Establishing presumptions of service-connected disability for illnesses associated with living in such conditions, consistent with the processes of the PACT Act.
• Ensuring health care coverage for dependents affected by environmental health issues stemming from privatized housing.

[RELATED: DoD Agency Names Top Priorities for State-Level Family Support in 2025]

5. Strengthening Ethics

Ethics reforms are a key feature of the legislation. The bill prohibits DoD officials at or above the rank of senior executive service (or O-6) from investing in entities associated with privatized housing providers, with the exception of mutual funds.

Similarly, members of the House and Senate Armed Services committees are barred from such investments, preventing potential conflicts of interest.

A Holistic Approach to Reform

The Military Housing Oversight and Service Member Protection Act acknowledges the systemic failures that have plagued military housing. By addressing issues ranging from operational oversight to ethical governance, the bill aims to rebuild trust between DoD, housing providers, and the military families they serve. It ensures the foundational elements of housing — safety, transparency, and accountability — are prioritized.

MOAA’s endorsement underscores the significance of this legislation in advocating for the rights and well-being of servicemembers and their families. If enacted, the reforms have the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for military families, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to those who serve.

As the 118th Congress draws to a close, some may ask, “Why introduce the bill so late in the cycle?” The introduction of this bill serves as a marker and highlights lawmakers’ commitment to reintroducing it in the 119th Congress and pursuing inclusion in the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. It also reinforces their commitment to military families, while providing a comprehensive framework for achieving the goal of ensuring no family has to endure substandard living conditions.