House Hunting Trip (HHT) Guide for Royal Canadian Mounted Police Members Relocating to Ottawa, ON

Welcome to the updated and comprehensive guide on House Hunting Trips (HHT) for RCMP members planning to relocate to Ottawa, ON. This guide is enriched with specific details from the RCMP Relocation Directive to ensure your HHT is both effective and in line with the provided guidelines.

What is a House Hunting Trip (HHT)? An HHT is an approved trip for RCMP members and their families to search for appropriate housing in their new location before the official relocation. This trip is a crucial aspect of the relocation benefits outlined in the RCMP Relocation Directive, designed to reduce the stress of moving to a new city.

Understanding the House Hunting Trip (HHT)

1. Purpose: The HHT is designed to assist RCMP members in securing a replacement residence at their new place of duty. It's important to note that purchasing a home is a personal decision with significant financial implications​​.

2. Eligibility and Accommodation: The HHT is open to members who have not already secured accommodation at the new location. This includes members who are building a residence on owned land or those who haven't entered into a binding agreement to purchase, build, or lease a property. Members assigned to Crown Owned Housing (COH) are not eligible for an HHT but may be eligible for a Destination Home Inspection Trip (DHIT)​​.

3. Duration: An HHT lasts up to 5 days (6 nights) at the new duty location, plus 2 days of travel time. If extended travel time is required due to distance or lack of commercial transportation, additional authorization may be granted​​.

4. Transportation: Members should use the most practical and economical return transportation methods, with expenses for the member and spouse covered by the Core Account and those for eligible dependents covered by the Flexible Spending Account​​.

5. Covered Expenses During HHT:

   • Accommodation for up to 6 nights.
   • Meal allowances for up to 7 days.
   • One incidental expense allowance per day per family for up to 7 days.
   • Car rental or personal motor vehicle (PMV) expenses for up to 6 days (car rental) and 7 days (PMV)​​.

6. Dependant Expenses: If dependents accompany the member, additional accommodation for up to 6 nights and meal allowances for up to 7 days are covered by the Flexible Spending Account​​.

7. Dependant Care Expenses: While on HHT, a member may claim dependant care expenses at either the old or new place of duty, up to $75 per day for professional care or $35 per day if provided by a friend or relative​​.

8. Commuting HHT: For locations within 150 km, commuting for HHT purposes is permitted, with specific limits on car rental and meal expenses, but without accommodation or incidental allowances​​.

9. HHT for Member on Temporary Duty and Relocation Assistance (TDRA): Members on TDRA can claim return travel, accommodation, meals, and dependant care, but not incidental daily expense allowances​​.

10. Second HHT: If the initial HHT is unsuccessful, a second HHT, lasting up to 5 days plus 2 days of travel time, may be authorized. This is funded from the Flexible Spending Account​​.

11. Destination Home Inspection Trip (DHIT): This trip is for inspecting a currently owned residence, finalizing school arrangements, or arranging specific care requirements, with only the member or spouse eligible to engage in DHIT at Crown expense​​.

Planning Your HHT to Ottawa

• Research Neighborhoods: Ottawa's diverse neighborhoods each offer unique lifestyles. Researching these areas beforehand can help you find a location that meets your family's needs.
• Set Priorities: Consider your priorities, such as proximity to RCMP facilities, schools, healthcare, and recreational amenities.
• Accommodation Options: Ottawa offers various accommodation choices, ranging from temporary lodgings to long-term rentals and properties for purchase. Information on these can be found on relevant local websites or through real estate professionals.

FAQs: House Hunting Trips (HHT) for RCMP Members

• Eligibility and Coverage: Regular and Reserve Force members posted to a new location are eligible for an HHT.
• Expenses: The RCMP Relocation Directive covers expenses like travel, accommodations, meals, and other incidentals.
• Application: Members should apply through the appropriate RCMP channels, providing necessary details and anticipated dates for the HHT.
• Accommodation Restrictions: There might be restrictions on the types of accommodations covered; it's essential to check the directive for specifics.

Tips for House Hunting in Ottawa

• Engage Local Experts: Consider consulting with Roch St-Georges, an approved BGRS RCMP Relocation Realtor, who is familiar with the Ottawa housing market.
• Budgeting: Be mindful of your financial limits and the overall cost of living in different Ottawa areas.
• Decision Making: Be prepared for quick decision-making due to the competitive nature of the housing market.

FAQs

1. What if I own a parcel of land at the new location?

   • If you intend to build a residence on owned land, you may still be eligible for an HHT.

2. Can I commute for my HHT if the old and new duty locations are close?

   • Yes, commuting is allowed for locations within 150 km, subject to specific cost limitations.

3. What happens if I can’t find a suitable residence during my first HHT?

   • You may be entitled to a second HHT, subject to approval and funding from the Flexible Spending Account.

4. Are there any specific considerations for members on TDRA?

   • Yes, members on TDRA can claim certain expenses such as return travel and accommodation but are not eligible for incidental daily expense allowances.

5. What is a DHIT and who is eligible for it?

   • A DHIT is intended for inspecting a currently owned residence, finalizing school arrangements, or arranging care requirements, and only one person (the member or spouse) can engage

More FAQ regarding RCMP HHT

Your HHT to Ottawa is an integral part of your relocation process. Proper planning and utilization of the resources and benefits available to RCMP members can lead to a successful and stress-free relocation. Welcome to Ottawa, and best wishes in finding your new home!

For RCMP members and their families undergoing a Royal Canadian Mounted Police relocation, Roch St-Georges is more than just a real estate professional; he can guide you in exploring the cultural vibrancy of Ottawa. Contact Rock at roch@rochstgeorges.com or 613-889-7732. To schedule a consultation, use our calendar link.

Info. Updated 2017