Community Housing

The Housing Service Center (HSC) provides support for service members and families seeking off-base housing in the El Centro area. Trained housing professionals maintain a current database of inspected rental homes, apartments, and townhomes, and can help you identify options that fit your needs and budget.

New resources are available for those interested in renting or purchasing a home in the local community. Visit the Community Housing page to explore these tools and updates.

Helpful Tools

HOMES.mil
HOMES.mil is an official Department of Defense website designed to help Service members, families, and DoD civilians find housing.

Housing Early Application Tool (HEAT)
HEAT allows Service members and families to begin the housing application process online before or after receiving PCS orders. The tool connects you with your destination installation and simplifies the process of submitting housing information. A housing referral professional will follow up within two business days.

Unaccompanied Personnel

Unaccompanied personnel planning to live off base should make the Housing Service Center their first stop. The HSC supports all personnel authorized to receive BAH and maintains affordable listings for single Service members. Staff can also assist with roommate matching, lease reviews, and, when available, favorable rent or security deposit agreements.

Local apartments are generally affordable and convenient to the installation. Sharing a home or apartment can further reduce costs, and HSC staff can provide guidance to help make shared housing a positive experience.

Other Important Information

Service members living in the community receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). You can look up current BAH rates online. The Fleet & Family Support Center (FFSC) also offers home-buying information and classes for those interested in purchasing property.

Property Managers & Owners

To list or update a rental property with the Navy Housing Referral Program, complete the Property Manager Listing Form and email it to ElCentroHousing@navy.mil to begin the process.