If I Get PCS Orders, Can I Rent Out My Home?
- Cassie Callahan
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
For military families, change is part of the lifestyle. Just when you’ve settled into your home near Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg), PCS orders can arrive, and suddenly you’re faced with a big decision: Do I sell my home—or can I rent it out instead?
The good news is that in most cases, yes—you can rent out your home after a PCS move, even if you purchased it using a VA loan.
Renting Out a Home Purchased with a VA Loan
VA loans require you to use the home as your primary residence, but there’s no rule that says you can never move out. If PCS orders send you elsewhere, you can:
Convert your home into a rental property.
Keep the VA loan in place while tenants pay the mortgage.
Potentially use your remaining VA loan entitlement to buy another home at your new duty station.
This flexibility makes the VA loan one of the best tools for building long-term wealth as a military family.
Benefits of Renting Out Your Home After PCS
Steady rental demand near Fort Liberty – With thousands of service members rotating in and out, rentals are always needed.
Wealth building – Tenants essentially help pay down your mortgage, building equity over time.
Flexibility – You can return to the home in the future or sell it later when the market is stronger.
Tax advantages – Owning a rental may open the door to deductions for expenses like maintenance, property management, and mortgage interest.
Things to Consider Before Renting
Property management – If you’re moving far away, hiring a local property manager is often worth it.
Landlord responsibilities – From repairs to tenant screening, make sure you understand what’s required.
Financial cushion – Even with tenants, plan for vacancies or unexpected repairs.
Insurance – You’ll need to switch from a homeowners policy to a landlord (rental) policy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting Out Your Home After PCS
1. Can I rent out my VA loan home immediately after purchase? Not right away. The VA requires you to intend to occupy the property as your primary residence. After PCS orders, you can convert it to a rental.
2. Do I need to refinance into an investment loan to rent it out? No. You can keep your VA loan in place. Just update your insurance to a landlord policy.
3. Can I use my VA loan again if I’m still renting out my first home? Yes, as long as you have remaining entitlement. Many service members own multiple homes this way.
4. Do I have to tell my lender I’m renting it out? Yes, it’s always best to notify your lender and insurance company to avoid issues with coverage or compliance.
5. Is renting or selling better when I PCS? It depends on your goals. If you want to build wealth and don’t mind the responsibility (or hire a manager), renting is a smart option. If you’d rather cash out and move on, selling may be better.
👉 PCS orders don’t have to derail your investment. Whether you’re considering selling or turning your home into a rental, I can help you run the numbers and make the decision that best fits your future.
📲 Call/text me at 910-916-9315 or email cassie@birchandbeamrealty.com to get started.
And remember—Close with Cassie.
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