Relocation Guide

Application Process

  • To apply for a home with United Communities, please visit our website and select ‘Request Information’.
  • The application must be completed in the service member’s name.
  • Please note that a copy of the service member’s orders will be required prior to the assignment of a housing floorplan or address.
  • If your dependents are not listed individually on your orders one of the following documents will be required DEERS enrollment form or Form DD1172.
  • Once application is received we will contact you by the following business day.
  • Please read our Housing List Management Policy which provides the guidelines for assignment of housing floor plans with limited availability.
  • We encourage all families to make secondary arrangements with lodging in the event their home is not ready upon arrival or arrival is over the weekend or not during our normal business hours. The phone number for on base lodging is 609-288-7901.

What to expect while in transition to Joint Base MDL

  • Once your application is complete you will then be on our housing list. We will remain in touch with you throughout your move to Joint Base MDL.
  • Approximately 30 days out from your arrival/date housing is needed we will update you with a projected time frame for your move-in.
  • Once your home is ready for move-in we will reach out to you to schedule a lease sign date and time.

What you will need for move-in

  • The move-in appointment takes approximately 45 to 90 minutes and entails electronically signing your lease online, obtaining a Government Housing Office Referral, paying your pro- rated rent, doing a walk-through of your new home and reviewing important community information and need to knows.
  • You will need to know your supervisor’s name as well as your duty phone number for Joint Base MDL to complete the Government Housing Referral.
  • You will need to have your pro-rated rent; this is the amount of rent due from the day you get your keys through the end of the month until we can start your allotment. For example, if you move in 15 April you will need to pay at move-in the rent from 15 April through 30 April. This payment can only be made via certified funds, money order or credit card. If you pay by credit card there will be an additional 2% added.
  • Proof of renters insurance is required prior to getting the keys for your home.  United Communities must be listed as an interested party on your insurance policy.  We require each resident maintain a minimum of $20,000 in personal property insurance coverage and a minimum of $100,000 in liability insurance coverage.  

Important information to know

  • You will need to have your pets registered with the Fort Dix Veterinarian with-in 5 days of moving in.
  • Restricted dog breeds include Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Chows and Wolf Hybrids or any mix of restricted breed.
  • You will receive a copy of our resident handbook electronically on your resident portal account. Once you move-in you can also preview it here.
  • When you live with United Communities you have school of choice, for grades Pre-K to 6th both North Hanover Township Schools www.nhanover.com and Pemberton Township Schools www.pembertonk12.nj.us. For grades 7-12 Northern Burlington Regional School District www.nburlington.com and Pemberton Township Schools www.pembertonk12.nj.us. Children that attend North Hanover for PreK-6 will automatically attend Northern Burlington for Middle and High school.
  • JBMDL School Liaison Services: The School Liaison helps to make your child's educational transition to New Jersey a smooth one. The School Liaison serves as the primary point of contact between parents, the installation, and the local school community. There is an abundance of educational opportunities throughout New Jersey including public, private, parochial, charter, and homeschooling. Whatever educational model you choose, please know that the School Liaison Office is here to support the academic success of your child.  Contact your School Liaisons for more information Angelica DeJesus at 609-754-9656 or Nikalea Naida at 609-562-5411 or visithttps://www.gomdl.com/school-liaison  or https://www.facebook.com/JBMDLSchoolLiaisonServices

    • The following guidelines apply for Joint Base MDL school of choice:
      • Only families living on JB-MDL have school choice. Families living off base must attend school where they reside.
      • Families who arrive to JB-MDL without a housing assignment have 10 days from the receipt of their housing assignment to select a school district to be their district of residence. This cannot be extended. Families who do not have their housing assignment upon arrival should select their district of residence before or upon arrival.
      • The district selected for the oldest child becomes the district of residence for the entire family. Families cannot place children in different school districts.
      • The location of your residence on JB-MDL does not affect your choice of school district.
      • Transportation is provided to either school district, regardless of where you live on JB-MDL.
      • Once you select a school district, you cannot change districts.
  • 609-754-9656 or Nikalea Naida at 609-562-5411 or visit

    https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.gomdl.com%2fschool-liaison&c=E,1,iVeIS3r6MKTGriBoJpXv0I35TCcxAM_IMME7haM4NgE8Mo8ku9WLXOY0lUKmrsRctUJDgSznS9o8vcPxdU3S5jR4J-7BBxy79oROycbXEMTXpGb3ezy4kiPW&typo=1 and

    https://www.facebook.com/JBMDLSchoolLiaisonServices

  • You can choose your cable provider. Options available to you are:
    • Xfinity by Comcast- Donald Crisdon 856-745-4927

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When can I apply for a home with United Communities?
    • Service members can apply to live with United Communities before receiving official orders
  • Can I designate someone to accept my home on my behalf?
    • Yes, an individual acting on your behalf must have a power of attorney to be able to manage the acceptance and termination of your home, sign the lease document on your behalf, obtain a copy of your lease paperwork, and start/stop your allotments for housing.​
  • Will housing be available when I arrive to Joint Base MDL?
    • It is our utmost goal to provide a smooth transition. However, wait times and availability are subject to change- our relocation team will update you on the status of a home or projected wait time for you and your family within 30 days from your arrival date.
  • Are utilities included?
    • Yes, all municipal utilities are included. You will only be responsible for your cable, phone and internet.
  • What appliances are included with the home?
    • The homes come fully equipped with a refrigerator, stove, garbage disposal and dishwasher. Microwaves are included in select homes. Full size washer/dryer hookups, these hookups are prong electric hook ups.
  • What amenities are included with the home?
    • Access to our 3 swimming pools, 2 splash pads, access to our community centers and fitness centers, 150 yearly resident events, Self Help office, lawn care, snow removal, 24 hour on call maintenance, 5 dog parks, 46 playgrounds, 15 miles of walking and jogging trails and much more.
  • Do you allow pets and how many?
    • We allow up to 2 pets for free, additional pets beyond 2 require a $500 pet deposit per animal. We do not have size or weight restrictions. Breeds prohibited on base and in housing include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers Chows, Wolf hybrids or any mix of restricted breed.
  • Do the homes have Fenced backyards?
    • Some floor plans do have fenced backyards, for the homes that do not come equipped with fences the resident can add a fence with a request to modify the home. Please check with your Relocation Consultant to see if your style home has a fence.
  • I am enrolled in Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). Will I have priority placement on the housing list?
    •  EFMP status does not constitute priority placement on United Communities housing list.
  • I am a single service member with one child. Am I eligible for on-base housing?
    • Yes, single service members with legal dependents are eligible for family housing.
  • I am a dual military household. Whose name will my housing lease be under?
    • The lease will be placed in the name of the senior ranking service members name.

Moving with Pets

  • Military members and their families move a lot! It is important to keep in mind that each move is unique and no matter how accustomed you have become to moving it is still stressful for everyone including your four-legged family members. For them, it can be even more stressful and anxiety provoking because they know something is going on but are not sure what it is. Everything they know will be changing. Here is some advice to make the move easier, safer, and less stressful for your four-legged family members.
    • ID tags and microchips- There are a lot of things going on when you are packing, loading, moving, unloading and unpacking. You can easily lose track of your pets, it is not uncommon for them to get out or lost during the process. Before you begin your move be sure you have ID tags and microchips up to date. Your pet should have either a collar with a tag containing the pets name, your name, the destination address and your phone number. o A microchip with the most up to date contact information and address on file.
    • Your pets essential items- it is important that you have your pets essential items in a location that is easily accessible. Some of the items you should have handy are food, water, bowls, favorite toys and blankets, litter, towels in case there is an accident or mess you need to clean up, and a leash. Keeping a few special treats handy to comfort your pet(s) and/or help control the pet(s) is also a great idea.
    • Keep your pet(s) contained- Keep your pet in a crate or room with a closed door that has a label indicating the animal is in there when you are packing, loading, and unloading boxes. It is easy to lose track of a pet especially when there are people coming and going leaving doors open to load and unload boxes. It is best to keep your pet in a quiet secure area, so they do not get lost during the move. This will keep them out of the way, so they do not interfere and will help reduce their anxiety and stress.
    • Routine, Routine, Routine- Pets are comfortable and used to their everyday schedule, it is important that you try to keep their routine the same as much as possible. If you take your dog for a walk in the morning be sure you make time to do this. Feed your pet when you normally feed them and keep familiar items close to them like their bed or a toy. Give them a little extra love and attention to reassure them everything is okay.
    • Contact your vet- Let your local vet know that you are moving so they can update your pet’s information. They may be able to recommend a vet in the area you are moving and give you additional tips on what to do when moving with your pet.
    • Drive your Vehicle when possible- If you are able to drive your own vehicle it is best to do so because it is less stressful for your pet(s) when they are close to you and with familiar things. Be sure your pet is in a safe crate or carrier, do not let your pet(s) out of the carrier, it is dangerous for both you and your pet.
    • Let your pet explore their new home- once you’ve unloaded all of your boxes, let your pet roam around and explore their new surroundings. Take a little time out from moving to play with your pet so they associate their new home as a positive place.
  • By remembering to do a few simple things you will make the move less stressful on you and your four-legged family members.