2012 BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) Rates

2012 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates increased by 2%, down from the originally proposed 4.2% increase. Pay grade, zip code and dependency status all impact BAH.

Rates typically get released between Dec. 15 and Jan. 1 each year. 

Use this BAH calculator to calculate your BAH rate, or keep reading to learn more about BAH rates for 2012.

See 2024 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates here.

BAH Component Breakdown

Rent

The amount of rent included as part of the Basic Allowance for Housing is calculated based on the median current market rent. For most locations, rent makes up approximately 70 to 80 percent of the BAH rate. In states such as California and Colorado, where the median rent is higher, it makes up a larger percentage of the BAH rate.

Utilities

Utilities make up approximately 25 percent of your BAH rate. The average utility amounts figured into the BAH rates include water/sewer, electricity and heat. The DoD does not include other utilities such as phone, cable and Internet services in the BAH rate calculation.

Renters Insurance

The DoD includes renters insurance in the BAH rate calculation. Renters insurance is typically 1-3% of the total BAH rate for the area. The exact amount allocated depends on the average insurance rates for the area.

Individual Rate Protection

While the average BAH rate rose 2% in 2012, a few areas saw a decline in BAH rates. Individual rate protection ensures that if rates go down for a given area, individual service members and their families will not face a reduction in rates.

Those affected by rate reductions are service members relocating to an area with a rate decrease. These individuals receive the lower BAH rate, while previously stationed service members receive their original rate.

Other Important BAH Rate Information

Since 2008, the BAH rates intend to eliminate most out-of-pocket expenses for service members. However, BAH rates do not guarantee that they will cover all costs. Service members and their families still control which properties they choose to rent or buy and may decide to rent a property well above the BAH rates for their area.