PCS To Cannon AFB: Clovis Housing Timeline

PCS orders to Cannon AFB and the clock is ticking on housing? You have a tight window, limited inventory, and a lot of moving parts to coordinate from a distance. This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step Clovis housing timeline with remote tour tips, on- versus off-base options, and short-term lodging planning so you can land smoothly in Curry County. Let’s dive in.

Your Clovis PCS housing timeline

As soon as you receive orders

• Contact the Cannon AFB Housing Office and TMO right away to start any on-base application and schedule your move. You can find base contacts through the Cannon AFB official site.
• Gather documents often required for rentals: orders, LES, photo ID, references, and pet records if applicable.
• If you plan to buy, notify a lender and begin pre-approval now. Purchases often require 30–60 days after contract to close.
• Use Military OneSource’s Plan My Move to map tasks and timelines.

120–90 days before arrival

• Start active house-hunting. Set alerts on reputable listing platforms and connect with a local Realtor who regularly supports military moves.
• Ask the housing office for current notes on the rental market, typical rent ranges, and waitlist expectations for on-base housing.
• If you want on-base housing, confirm your application status and required documents. Assignment timing depends on vacancy and can vary.
• Buyers: begin touring virtually and fine-tune your financing. Build a buffer for inspection and appraisal timelines.

90–60 days before arrival

• Schedule live video walk-throughs. Request floor plans, recent photos, and monthly utility averages to compare options fairly.
• Ask for draft lease terms in writing, including possession date, keys, and remote signing steps.
• Plan ahead for temporary lodging if your arrival falls during peak PCS months.

60–30 days before arrival

• Submit applications for your top rental choices. Expect application fees, income verification, and a security deposit.
• If selling at origin, coordinate closing and load dates with TMO and your Realtor to avoid storage gaps.
• Confirm temporary lodging entitlements with TMO or finance. Review PCS travel and TLE guidance at the Defense Travel Management Office.

30–14 days before arrival

• Finalize your lease or on-base assignment. Use secure e-signature tools and keep copies of every document.
• Arrange utility setup. Ask which services are tenant responsibilities and what ID is required for activation.
• If you have students, review school registration timelines and documents you’ll need on arrival.

Final 14 days and move-in week

• Confirm parking access for the moving truck and any elevator reservations.
• If your housing is not ready on arrival, arrange short-term lodging or storage to bridge the gap.
• Complete a detailed move-in inspection with photos and timestamps.

First 1–4 weeks after arrival

• Turn in your move-in condition checklist and report any issues in writing.
• Register vehicles, update DEERS, and finish school enrollment using your orders and proof of residence.
• If you’re waiting for on-base housing, keep your contact info current with the housing office.

On-base vs off-base in Clovis

On-base housing

• Process: Apply as soon as you receive orders through the housing office. Family size and availability guide assignments.
• Timing: Wait times vary by season and vacancy. Verify the current estimate with the housing office on the Cannon AFB site.
• Pros: Short commute, community amenities, and quick access to base services.
• Cons: Fewer floor plan choices and potential waitlist uncertainty.

Off-base rentals

• Process: Work with a local Realtor or landlords directly. Expect applications, deposits, and a lease.
• Timing: Many landlords prefer tenants who can start within 30 days.
• Pros: More variety across neighborhoods and home types, including newer builds and rural options.
• Cons: You’ll coordinate remote touring, utility setup, and commute checks.

Buying a home

• Timeline: Start 3–6 months before arrival when possible. Allow time for inspections and appraisal.
• Considerations: Build a contingency plan if your origin home sale or delivery dates shift.

Remote tours and secure signing

What to request in a virtual tour

• Live video walk-through that covers every room, exterior, garage, and mechanical systems.
• Floor plan with measurements and a quick video of closets, storage, and hallways for scale.
• Date-stamped photos and a recent utility bill to compare average costs.
• Pet policies, parking details, HOA rules, and trash-recycling schedules.
• Proof of the possession date and point of contact for keys.

Lease safeguards from a distance

• Use reputable e-sign platforms and save final, signed copies.
• Verify ownership if you have concerns by checking county records or asking for landlord ID and property documentation.
• Never wire funds without a signed lease and confirmed recipient details. Request receipts for every payment.
• Confirm an early termination clause that aligns with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. For questions, contact the base legal office via the Cannon AFB site.

Common documents landlords request

• Orders, LES or command income verification, and a photo ID.
• Rental application with credit and background check authorization.
• Security deposit and first month’s rent.

Budget basics: BAH, rents, and reality checks

• Start with your BAH. Use the DTMO’s official page to review rates and plan a realistic budget: Basic Allowance for Housing.
• For rental context, compare current listings with HUD’s county-level baselines at HUD Fair Market Rents.
• Market pace changes with season and inventory. Expect to begin active rental searching 60–120 days before arrival and to secure a lease 30–45 days out in many cases. Verify current conditions with the housing office or a local Realtor.

Short-term lodging playbook

• Base lodging can be convenient and budget-friendly but fills quickly during PCS peaks. Check availability early through the Cannon AFB website.
• Learn what expenses are reimbursable for your move. Review PCS travel and Temporary Lodging Expense basics at the Defense Travel Management Office, then confirm details with your TMO or finance office.
• If you need off-base options, look into extended-stay hotels or furnished short-term rentals, and price out storage in case your delivery or lease start is delayed.

Local small-market tips

• Clovis is a small city that supports Cannon AFB, so inventory is more limited than in large metro areas.
• Rental turnover often spikes near summer. If you’re arriving then, start early and respond fast to new listings.
• Commute times depend on the home’s location in Clovis or nearby rural areas. Map the drive to your gate during likely commute hours.

Quick checklists you can use

Pre-search checklist

• Contact the housing office and TMO. Start the on-base waitlist if desired.
• Set a BAH-based budget or get lender pre-approval if buying.
• Choose a local Realtor experienced with military relocations.

Questions to ask on remote tours

• What is the exact possession date and when are keys released?
• Which utilities are tenant-paid and what are typical monthly costs?
• Who handles yard care and what are HOA rules and trash schedules?
• What is the condition and approximate age of HVAC, water heater, roof, and major appliances?
• What are pet policies and fees? Which internet providers serve the address?
• Does the lease include SCRA-aligned early termination language?

Move-in inspection and deposit protection

• Complete a written checklist with photos and timestamps.
• Note pre-existing wear, stains, appliance dents, and window screens.
• Submit the checklist to the landlord and keep copies for your records.

How The Waters Group can help

You deserve a smooth landing. Our team supports remote showings, quick paperwork, and clear communication so you can choose on-base or off-base with confidence. We coordinate with your TMO timeline, share local vendor referrals, and help you compare neighborhoods and commute options in Clovis and across Curry County. Hablamos español.

Ready to start your PCS home search or need a short-list of rentals? Reach out to Tammy Waters to request your free buyer-seller packet and a tailored plan for your arrival window.

FAQs

What should I do first when I get Cannon AFB orders?

• Contact the housing office and TMO through the Cannon AFB site, gather your documents, and set a BAH-based budget before booking tours.

How early should I start looking for a Clovis rental?

• Begin active searching 60–120 days out and aim to lock a lease 30–45 days before arrival, then verify current market pace with the housing office or a local Realtor.

Where can I find official BAH rates for Cannon AFB?

• Review current Basic Allowance for Housing guidance on the DTMO site under Basic Allowance for Housing.

What if I need temporary lodging when I arrive?

• Check base lodging early and review PCS travel and TLE guidance at the Defense Travel Management Office to understand potential reimbursements.

Can I end a lease early if my orders change after I move to Clovis?

• The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act may allow early termination under certain conditions; consult the base legal office via the Cannon AFB site for case-specific guidance.