NAS Pensacola base housing nearing full capacity amid affordable housing crisis

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- There are no more vacant units left in base housing at NAS Pensacola, according to the latest numbers from Balfour Beatty Communities, the company that manages base housing.

Base housing capacity has been increasing over time. They were at an average of 95 percent capacity in 2019.

More people are moving on base as affordable housing is becoming harder to find.

Balfour Beatty Communities says 18 retired service members currently live on base on a one-year lease.

“As we’re getting closer to our active duty PCS season, as retiree leases are coming up, those leases are not being renewed,” says NAS Pensacola Public Affairs Officer, Jason Bortz.

According to their leasing agreement, they can’t renew if more space is needed for active duty members. Lease renewal will happen on a case by case basis.

For example, if a retiree is living in a one bedroom unit, but an active duty member needs a two bedroom unit, the retiree may not have to leave.

Bortz says if a retiree has to move out, they’ll be given a 90 day notice and receive assistance to find somewhere to stay.

There are resources to help such as the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society which provides financial assistance to military retirees and medically discharged veterans.

The West Florida Defense Alliance has also created a housing committee.

Bortz says they will be searching for housing assistance for military members by partnering with realtor and property managers in the Greater Pensacola area.