IR - furniture rental

[PiperDown]

I have just read most of CBI 208 ( relocation benefits ) however I have a couple of questions to throw out there.

Do members proceeding IR receive a posting allowance ( or partial ) ?

CBI 208.997 (9) states " actual and reasonable expenses for non-commercial accommodations or family housing, utilities and furniture rental, the monthly amount of which do not exceed the applicable rate in the table to this instruction;" ( lets use ottawa at $1600 as an example.)

Has anyone actually used a furniture rental company ? What would be a " ballpark" amount for furniture for a small apartment. ( assuming apartment already includes appliances)  I realize most areas have commercial accommodations that are " fully furnished" but these types are usually centrally ( ie downtown) and may not suit everyone.

Would it be wise to instead use the funding available to secure non- commercial accommodations in a more "desirable " area or a higher standard of accommodations and purchase second hand or IKEA type furniture ?

 

[Shamrock]

http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/106874.0.html

 

[ff149]

I know as of last summer you could get the half of the posting allowance. If you have plans on moving your family at a later date you can ask for this to be put aside until the family moves up and receive the whole posting allowance at that time. As far as furniture rentals from what I was told last year, there may have been changes but I haven't heard of them, that you can rent furniture up to the limit in your area. Each base has an upper limit for IR rent, so it would be the rent plus rental furniture up to that limit.  From what was explained to me you would have to show receipts every month for the rental costs

The link provided before were to cuts for separation expense that will take place the first of Feb next year. One thing to be ware of is that there is a limit to what you are allowed to rent for IR (as far as I know) it is a one bedroom apartment. Also the base that I am at the orderly room wanted to see any lease that you were going to sign prior to signing the lease.

I've only been on IR since the summer but my best suggestion would be to contact the OR at the base you are being posted to and ask them. They are usually up on the accommodations that meet IR requirements in the area and would be your best place to ask.

 

[PiperDown]

http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/106874.0.html

Not sure what you are trying to tell me here Shamrock.    In the 34 pages I don't see anything related to SE noncommercial accommodation, and specifically furniture rental.
nor did I see the posting allowance mentioned.

 

[DAA]

Not sure what you are trying to tell me here Shamrock.    In the 34 pages I don't see anything related to SE noncommercial accommodation, and specifically furniture rental.
nor did I see the posting allowance mentioned.

Have a look at the CFIRP Regs, Chap 15 (Unaccompanied Moves).  Your supporting Orderly Room should be able to provide you with a furniture listing authorized by DCBA and it will show just what you can rent (claim) and nothing more.....  Most Bases that process IR where "high rate" is involved will provide you with the name of a local furniture rental company that others deal with.  Also, Rent To Own contracts are "non-reimburseable", so don't even try to go that route...

Also, you are entitled to the BAE (Basic Allowance Element) of the Posting Allowance (ie; 1/2 months pay) until such a time as your DHG&E are relocated to your new place of duty, then you receive the remainder.  It's all in Chap 15...

 

[CombatDoc]

Piperdown, I suspect that the furniture rental market varies by location.  When I looked into renting furniture for a 1 BR apartment, the price was prohibitive and it was better to actually purchase some stuff myself.  YMMV.

 

[PMedMoe]

If you're going to Toronto, I give high recommendations to IR Solutions.  They were talking about opening a branch in Ottawa but I'm not sure if they have yet.

 

[PiperDown]

Piperdown, I suspect that the furniture rental market varies by location.  When I looked into renting furniture for a 1 BR apartment, the price was prohibitive and it was better to actually purchase some stuff myself.  YMMV.

I assume it would be better to just purchase some second hand furniture, and use the furniture rental savings to get a better apartment.  However, the IR Solutions webpage does look interesting, but they dont mention price.

 

[PMedMoe]

I assume it would be better to just purchase some second hand furniture, and use the furniture rental savings to get a better apartment.  However, the IR Solutions webpage does look interesting, but they dont mention price.

In TO, I was paying $400 per month for complete furnishings including Flat screen TV, Blu-Ray player, kitchen wares, towels, bedding, etc.