2026 BAH Rates Up 6.3% · PCS Sight-Unseen Leasing · Near Fort Hood Main Gate · Killeen, TX

Apartments for rent near Fort Hood army base, Killeen TX

The Atrium Apartments at 405 Root Ave, Killeen TX 76541 sits ~4–7 minutes from Fort Hood's Main Gate — one of the closest off-post apartments to the army base (also known as Fort Cavazos). Winner of Vintage Property of the Year 2025, Central Texas. Renovated 1BR (553 sq ft) from $770/mo and 2BR (675 sq ft) at $875/mo — 2026 BAH accepted as income, PCS sight-unseen leasing, no minimum credit score, first month free, pet-friendly, HUD-VASH and Section 8 vouchers accepted.

(254) 415-7480

Quick answers

What apartments near Fort Hood army base are available in Killeen TX?

The Atrium Apartments at 405 Root Ave, Killeen TX 76541 is one of the closest off-post options to Fort Hood army base. Renovated 1BR units (553 sq ft) start at $770/month and 2BR units (675 sq ft) at $875/month. Multiple 1BR units are available now.

Does BAH cover rent at apartments near Fort Hood?

Yes. Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) counts as verifiable income at The Atrium. 2026 BAH for an E-4 or above with dependents at Fort Hood typically meets or exceeds the $1,925/month income threshold for the 1BR unit. A current LES or BAH award letter is accepted as proof.

Can I rent sight unseen if I'm PCSing to Fort Hood?

Yes. The Atrium accommodates sight-unseen leasing for service members PCSing to Fort Hood TX. Photos, videos, and floor plans are provided so you can complete the application and secure a unit before your report date. Call (254) 415-7480 to start.

How far is The Atrium from Fort Hood's main gate?

The Atrium at 405 Root Ave, Killeen TX 76541 is approximately 2 to 4 miles from Fort Hood's Main Gate (Visitor Control Center) — roughly 4 to 7 minutes via US-190 BUS W. No highway required. It is one of the closest off-post apartment options to the Fort Hood Main Gate in Killeen.

Are housing vouchers accepted at apartments near Fort Hood?

Yes. The Atrium Apartments accepts Section 8 / HCV, HUD-VASH, and other housing assistance vouchers. Income eligibility is calculated on the tenant-paid portion only. No minimum credit score required.

Is it Fort Hood or Fort Cavazos?

Both names refer to the same installation. It was renamed Fort Cavazos in 2023 and redesignated Fort Hood again in 2025 — you'll see both used in searches and conversation. The Atrium is one of the closest off-post options to the base under either name.

$770
Starting rent / month
~5 min
From Fort Hood main gate
Now
Units available today

Why The Atrium

The go-to off-post choice for Fort Hood, Texas soldiers & families

Finding fort hood apartments for rent that are affordable, move-in ready, and accept BAH shouldn't take weeks of searching. Whether you need apartments near fort hood tx, fort hood texas apartments close to the army base, PCS sight-unseen leasing, or off-post housing that accepts both BAH and vouchers — 405 Root Ave is one of the closest civilian addresses to the main gate. Fort Hood, Texas (ft hood, also called Fort Cavazos) is one of the largest U.S. Army installations. The Atrium delivers modern renovations (quartz countertops, stainless appliances, hardwood-style floors) managed by award-winning MCG Homestead (AACT Management Company of the Year 2025), available now.

BAH accepted as income. Active-duty service members can use their Basic Allowance for Housing to satisfy the income requirement. No complicated paperwork beyond your LES and orders.

  • Minutes from Fort Hood's main gate on Root Ave
  • PCS sight-unseen leasing available
  • Unfurnished units — bring your own furniture
  • Renovated units — stainless appliances, quartz countertops
  • In-unit washer/dryer — no laundromat trips
  • Pet-friendly (cats & small dogs, most units no breed restrictions)
  • Housing vouchers, HUD-VASH, and BAH accepted
  • No minimum credit score required
  • First month free on available units
  • Online rent payment and 24/7 maintenance requests
1 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom · 553 sq ft
$770 / mo
Available Now · First month free
2 Bedrooms / 1 Bathroom · 675 sq ft
$875 / mo
Join the waitlist — no units available now
Address
405 Root Ave
Killeen, TX 76541
Get directions →

How to choose

What the best apartments near Fort Hood, Texas have in common

Five criteria that separate genuinely good off-post housing from units that look affordable until you add up the extras.

1

Rent within your BAH — without stretching it

BAH for Fort Hood varies by rank and dependent status. The best apartments near Fort Hood let your BAH cover rent with money left over. At $770/month, The Atrium falls well within 2026 BAH for most E-4 and above with dependents — leaving BAH surplus rather than a gap.

2

Appliances included — especially washer/dryer

Appliance rental runs $80–$120/month at most Killeen properties. An in-unit washer and dryer alone can save you over $1,000/year compared to renting appliances or using a laundromat. The Atrium includes all appliances — refrigerator, stove, microwave, washer, and dryer — at no extra charge.

3

Close enough to base to not hate your commute

Early PT formations and last-minute duty changes make commute distance a real quality-of-life factor. The Atrium at 405 Root Ave, Killeen TX is 2–4 miles from Fort Hood's main gate — roughly 4–7 minutes by car. No highway, no construction choke points.

4

Vouchers accepted — including HUD-VASH

Many Killeen properties are selective about which voucher types they accept. The Atrium accepts Section 8 / HCV and HUD-VASH vouchers. If you or a family member uses housing assistance, confirm acceptance before applying anywhere.

5

No credit gotchas for thin files

Service members who have been deployed or recently separated often have thin or mixed credit histories. The Atrium has no minimum credit score — your application is reviewed on current income and situation, not a number from years ago.

The Atrium scorecard

How The Atrium meets every criterion

Criterion The Atrium
Distance to Fort Hood ~2–4 miles to main gate · 4–7 min drive
1BR Rent $770/month (553 sq ft) · First month free
2BR Rent $875/month (675 sq ft)
In-Unit Washer/Dryer Included — no extra charge
Appliances Stainless refrigerator, stove, microwave — included
BAH Accepted Yes — LES or BAH award letter accepted as proof of income
Vouchers Accepted Section 8 / HCV and HUD-VASH
Credit Minimum None — reviewed case-by-case
Pets Cats & dogs welcome · $150 non-ref + $200 ref deposit per pet
Sight-Unseen Leasing Available — apply before your report date
Recognition Vintage Property of the Year — Central Texas · MCG Homestead: AACT Management Company of the Year 2025

Off-post housing near Fort Hood

Built for military moves

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BAH accepted as income

Basic Allowance for Housing counts toward the 2.5× income requirement. For most Fort Hood assignments, BAH covers the full rent with room to spare.

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Sight-unseen leasing

Complete your application remotely before you arrive. Photos, videos, and floor plans provided. Secure your unit before your report date.

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2–4 miles from the main gate

One of the closest civilian apartment options to Fort Hood. Roughly a 4–7 minute drive — no long commute on top of an already demanding schedule.

Location

What's nearby

The Atrium puts you close to everything soldiers and families need day-to-day — the post, schools, groceries, and Central Texas.

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Fort Hood

Minutes to the main gate. Easy commute for active-duty and DOD civilians.

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Head Start & Schools

Head Start facility nearby. Killeen ISD schools serve the neighborhood.

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Shopping & Dining

Killeen Mall, H-E-B, and local restaurants all within easy reach on I-14.

2026 BAH table

2026 Fort Hood BAH rates — MHA TX286 (Killeen TX)

Rates effective January 1, 2026. Increased 6.3% from 2025. The income requirement is 2.5× rent — BAH plus base pay easily clears this for E-4 and above.

Enlisted — 2026

Rank With Dep. W/O Dep.
E-4 $1,662 $1,374
E-5 $1,695 $1,530
E-6 $1,920 $1,626
E-7 $2,070 $1,668
E-8 $2,238 $1,746
E-9 $2,409 $1,806

Officer — 2026

Rank With Dep. W/O Dep.
O-1 $1,731 $1,623
O-2 $1,917 $1,689
O-3 $2,340 $1,833
O-4 $2,577 $2,076

1BR at $770/mo = 46% of E-5 BAH with dependents — leaving $925/mo after rent for utilities, groceries, and savings. Confirm your exact rate at the official DoD BAH calculator.

Source: DoD BAH calculator, MHA TX286 (Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, TX), effective January 1, 2026. Rates are for Fort Hood / Fort Cavazos. Update annually each January 1.

BAH vs. rent

What your 2026 Fort Hood BAH actually buys in Killeen TX

At $770/month, The Atrium's 1BR is well within BAH for all ranks E-4 and above. The difference between BAH and rent stays in your pocket.

Rank BAH (w/ dep.) 1BR rent Remaining
E-4 $1,662 $770 +$892
E-5 $1,695 $770 +$925
E-6 $1,920 $770 +$1,150
O-1 $1,731 $770 +$961
O-3 $2,340 $770 +$1,570
Available now at The Atrium
$770 / mo — 1BR, 553 sq ft
First month free · BAH accepted · No credit minimum

How BAH works

BAH basics for Fort Hood soldiers renting off-post in Killeen TX

1

BAH is paid directly to you

BAH is deposited to your bank account as part of your regular military pay — it is not paid directly to a landlord. You choose how to use it. If your rent is less than your BAH, you keep the difference.

2

BAH counts as income for qualifying

Most civilian landlords require verifiable income of 2.5x monthly rent. BAH is accepted as that income at The Atrium. A current LES or official BAH award letter is the only documentation needed.

3

Rates are based on MHA and dependency status

Fort Hood / Fort Cavazos uses MHA code TX286. Your rate depends on whether you have dependents. Rates are set annually by DoD based on local market rents and are guaranteed not to decrease.

4

BAH stops if you move into on-post housing

If you accept government quarters (on-post housing, managed by Corvias at Fort Hood), your BAH is paid directly to the housing provider and you no longer receive it as cash. Off-post housing lets you keep any difference between BAH and rent.

Commute

Gate-by-gate drive times from 405 Root Ave

Root Ave puts you less than 5 minutes from the post. Here are the actual driving routes to both gates, so you know exactly what your commute looks like.

Main Gate (Visitor Control Center)
Google Maps driving directions from 405 Root Ave Killeen TX to Fort Cavazos Main Gate — approximately 4 to 7 minutes

~4–7 min via US-190 BUS W. Quickest route for most duty assignments.

Clear Creek Gate (Commercial / ISC)
Google Maps driving directions from 405 Root Ave Killeen TX to Fort Cavazos Clear Creek Gate — approximately 10 to 12 minutes

~10–12 min via US-190 BUS W. Used for commercial traffic and contractors.

Map data © Google. Drive times are estimates and may vary with traffic.

Gates & access

Fort Hood / Fort Cavazos gate locations

Fort Hood has 15 gates. Most Killeen-side soldiers use the Main Gate daily. From 405 Root Ave, the Main Gate is approximately 4–7 minutes via US-190 BUS W — one of the shortest commutes available off-post.

Gate Common use / area From 405 Root Ave
Main Gate (Visitor Control Center) Primary daily access — visitor passes, central post ~4–7 min
Clear Creek Gate Commercial / ISC access, south post ~10–12 min
Fort Hood Street Gate South Killeen / Fort Hood Street Varies
WS Young Gate East Killeen / WS Young Drive Varies
10th Street Gate South post / 10th Street access Varies
East Gate East post access Varies
North Clark Gate North post / Copperas Cove corridor Varies
South Clark Gate South / range access Varies
Copperas Cove North Gate Copperas Cove side access Varies
Copperas Cove South Gate Copperas Cove side access Varies
Mohawk Gate West post / Belton Lake area Varies
Santa Fe Gate West range operations area Varies
79th Street Gate West range / Gatesville corridor Varies
East Range Rd Gate East range operations Varies
West Range Rd Gate West range operations Varies

Verified drive times shown for Main Gate and Clear Creek Gate from 405 Root Ave. Other gates: commute time depends on your unit location within the installation. Gate hours and access rules vary — confirm with your unit or installation access control.

Military protections

SCRA & military lease rights

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) gives active-duty soldiers legal protections when leasing off-post housing. MCG Homestead works with military tenants on all of the following.

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30-Day Lease Termination

Under SCRA, active-duty service members who receive PCS orders or deployment orders for 90+ days can terminate a lease with 30 days written notice. No early termination penalty applies.

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BAH as Income

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) counts as verifiable income. You do not need civilian pay stubs to qualify — your LES and orders are sufficient documentation.

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We Work With Your Timeline

PCSing in? We accommodate sight-unseen leasing and flexible move-in dates. Deploying? Contact us — we coordinate with your unit's housing point of contact when needed.

SCRA rights apply to active-duty service members only. Consult your JAG office or installation legal assistance office for advice specific to your situation.

Inprocessing guide

Fort Hood inprocessing — what to expect when you arrive

Every soldier arriving at Fort Hood must sign in at the Copeland Soldiers Services Center before anything else. Here is what you need.

Where to report

Copeland Soldiers Services Center
Building 18010 — near the Main Gate
Phone: (254) 287-3832
Hours: 24/7 — 365 days a year

After signing in you will be directed to the Reception Department or transient quarters for temporary accommodations.

What to wear

  • Duty hours: Army Combat Uniform (ACU) or Class A / B uniform
  • After duty hours: civilian clothes are permitted

What to bring — 5 copies of each

  • PCS orders
  • Leave form
  • Military Personnel File (OMPF)
  • Medical records
  • Dental records
  • Financial paperwork (LES, BAH award letter)

Temporary on-post lodging

  • Keith Ware Hall (Bldg 36006) — 24/7 check-in for all on-post lodging
  • IHG Army Hotels — (254) 532-5157 or (254) 532-8233
  • Holiday Inn Express — 1-877-711-8326
  • Poxon Guest House — 75-unit facility, space-available basis

Securing off-post housing before inprocessing starts saves time and reduces stress. The Atrium accepts sight-unseen leasing — call (254) 415-7480 to lock in a unit before your report date.

Off-post housing list

Fort Hood off-post housing list — what it is and how to use it

Before signing a lease, many soldiers research the Fort Hood off-post housing list. Here is what it is and how to make the most of it.

What is the Fort Hood off-post housing list?

The Fort Hood Housing Referral Service — managed through Family and MWR — maintains a directory of civilian rental properties near the installation. Landlords and property managers opt into the program by agreeing to be listed as military-friendly options. The list is a starting point for soldiers looking for off-post housing, but it is not exhaustive — many good civilian options are not on it.

How to access the off-post housing list

  • Contact Fort Hood's Family and MWR office on post
  • Ask your unit's Housing Referral Officer during inprocessing
  • The Copeland Soldiers Services Center (Bldg 18010) can direct you to housing referral staff
  • Some installations also maintain a digital version — confirm at the MWR office

The Atrium Apartments and the off-post housing list

The Atrium Apartments at 405 Root Ave, Killeen TX 76541 is one of the closest civilian off-post rental options to the Fort Hood main gate — approximately 4–7 minutes via US-190 BUS W. BAH is accepted as income, sight-unseen leasing is available, and HUD-VASH and Section 8 vouchers are welcome.

Don't wait for inprocessing to find housing. Contact us before your report date — ideally 30–60 days out — to confirm availability and start a remote application. Call (254) 415-7480.

Common questions

FAQ: Apartments for Rent Near Fort Hood, TX

What apartments are for rent near Fort Hood army base in Killeen, TX? ▾
The Atrium Apartments at 405 Root Ave, Killeen TX 76541 is one of the closest off-post apartments for rent near Fort Hood army base — approximately 4–7 minutes from the Main Gate. Rent starts at $770/month for a renovated 1-bedroom unit (553 sq ft) and $875/month for a 2-bedroom unit (675 sq ft). BAH and housing vouchers accepted, no minimum credit score, first month free.
Is it Fort Hood or Fort Cavazos? ▾
The installation in Killeen, TX is officially named Fort Hood. It was renamed Fort Cavazos in 2023 and redesignated Fort Hood again in 2025 — both names refer to the same base and are still used interchangeably in search and everyday conversation. The Atrium is one of the closest off-post options to the base under either name.
How far is The Atrium from Fort Hood's main gate? ▾
The Atrium at 405 Root Ave, Killeen TX 76541 is approximately 2 to 4 miles from Fort Hood's Main Gate (Visitor Control Center) — roughly 4 to 7 minutes via US-190 BUS W. The Clear Creek Gate is next closest at approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
Do you accept BAH as income for Fort Hood soldiers? ▾
Yes. BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is accepted as verifiable income. Active-duty service members can use their BAH to meet the 2.5× rent income requirement. A current LES or BAH award letter is all the proof required.
What is the 2026 BAH rate for Fort Hood (Fort Cavazos)? ▾
2026 BAH rates for Fort Hood / Fort Cavazos (MHA TX286) increased 6.3% from 2025. With dependents: E-4 $1,662/mo, E-5 $1,695/mo, E-6 $1,920/mo, E-7 $2,070/mo, E-8 $2,238/mo, E-9 $2,409/mo. Without dependents: E-4 $1,374/mo, E-5 $1,530/mo, E-6 $1,626/mo. Officers with dependents: O-1 $1,731/mo, O-2 $1,917/mo, O-3 $2,340/mo, O-4 $2,577/mo. The Atrium's 1BR at $770/mo is well within BAH for all E-4 and above.
What is MHA TX286? ▾
MHA TX286 is the Military Housing Area code the DoD uses to set BAH rates for the Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood region of Texas. Rates are set annually based on local rental market surveys and are guaranteed not to decrease year over year.
Can I rent an apartment near Fort Hood for less than my BAH? ▾
Yes. BAH is paid directly to you, not to a landlord — if your rent is less than your BAH, you keep the difference. At $770/month, The Atrium is below 2026 BAH for every Fort Hood rank E-4 and above. An E-5 with dependents ($1,695 BAH) renting the 1BR keeps $925/month after rent.
Do you accept Section 8, HCV, or HUD-VASH vouchers near Fort Hood? ▾
Yes. The Atrium Apartments accepts Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and HUD-VASH. Income eligibility is calculated on the tenant-paid portion of rent only, with no minimum credit score. Call (254) 415-7480 to confirm availability.
Are there pet-friendly apartments near Fort Hood? ▾
Yes. The Atrium Apartments near Fort Hood welcomes cats and small dogs. There is a $150 non-refundable pet fee and $200 refundable deposit per pet. Most units have no breed or weight restrictions.
What is the average rent for off-post apartments near Fort Hood? ▾
Off-post apartments near Fort Hood in Killeen, TX typically range from $650 to $1,200/month for a 1-bedroom. The Atrium offers renovated 1-bedroom units at $770/month, with the first month free for qualified applicants — making it one of the best-value options near the post.
Are there Fort Hood Texas apartments for rent near the army base? ▾
Yes. Fort Hood Texas apartments for rent near the army base include The Atrium Apartments at 405 Root Ave, Killeen TX 76541 — 2–4 miles from the main gate. Renovated 1BR units start at $770/month with all appliances included. BAH accepted as income, vouchers welcome, no minimum credit score. First month free on available units.
What apartments for rent near ft hood tx accept BAH and vouchers? ▾
The Atrium Apartments at 405 Root Ave, Killeen TX is one of the few apartments for rent near ft hood tx that accepts both BAH as income and housing vouchers (Section 8 / HCV, HUD-VASH). Rent starts at $770/month for a 1BR — within BAH for most E-4 and above with dependents. No minimum credit score.
Are there urban apartments near Fort Hood in Killeen TX? ▾
The Atrium Apartments at 405 Root Ave is in a quiet residential neighborhood in Killeen — not a walkable urban area. The nearest H-E-B, restaurants, and convenience stores require a short drive. What the location does offer is one of the shortest commutes to Fort Hood's main gate (~4–7 minutes) and low traffic on the way in.
Are there furnished apartments for rent near Fort Hood, TX? ▾
All units at The Atrium Apartments are unfurnished — appliances including refrigerator, stove, microwave, and in-unit washer/dryer are included in rent. For short-term furnished options near Fort Hood, on-post temporary lodging at Keith Ware Hall (Bldg 36006) or IHG Army Hotels (254) 532-5157 are available. Call (254) 415-7480 to ask about current availability at The Atrium.
Can I rent sight unseen if I'm PCSing to Fort Hood, TX? ▾
Yes. MCG Homestead accommodates sight-unseen leasing for service members PCSing to Fort Hood, TX. Photos, videos, and floor plans are provided so you can complete the application and secure a unit before arrival.
How quickly can I move in if I'm PCSing to Fort Hood? ▾
Move-in timelines are flexible for PCS moves. Once your application is approved, a deposit and lease signature are required within 48 hours to hold the unit. Contact us as early as possible — ideally 30 to 60 days before your report date.
Where do I report for inprocessing at Fort Hood? ▾
Report to the Copeland Soldiers Services Center, Building 18010, near the Main Gate. Phone: (254) 287-3832. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Bring 5 copies of orders, leave form, military personnel file, medical and dental records, and your LES. Wear ACU or Class A/B during duty hours; civilian clothes are permitted after duty hours.
Which Fort Hood gate is closest to 405 Root Ave? ▾
The Main Gate (Visitor Control Center) is closest — approximately 4 to 7 minutes from 405 Root Ave via US-190 BUS W. The Clear Creek Gate is next at approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Fort Hood has 15 gates total; most soldiers entering from the Killeen side use the Main Gate for daily access.
What is the Fort Hood off-post housing list? ▾
Fort Hood's Housing Referral Service (Family and MWR office) maintains an off-post housing list — a directory of civilian rental properties near the installation that have opted into the referral program. The Atrium Apartments is one of the closest options to the Main Gate. Call (254) 415-7480 to verify current availability before your PCS report date.
Is on-post housing better than off-post housing at Fort Hood? ▾
On-post housing at Fort Hood is managed by Corvias — you pay your BAH and they keep it. The main drawbacks are waitlists (which can run months long for families) and strict rules on pets, modifications, and guests. Off-post housing like The Atrium at 405 Root Ave gives you immediate availability, pets welcome, no breed restrictions on most units, and the ability to pay less than your full BAH rate — keeping the difference. The commute is 4–7 minutes to the Main Gate, comparable to most on-post addresses for Killeen-side soldiers.
What should I know before signing a lease near Fort Hood? ▾
Four things to confirm before signing: (1) SCRA protections — your lease should acknowledge you can terminate with 30 days written notice if you receive PCS or deployment orders of 90+ days. (2) BAH acceptance — confirm the landlord accepts your LES or BAH award letter as proof of income. (3) Sight-unseen process — confirm you can reserve the specific unit shown in photos, not just a unit type. (4) Move-in flexibility — confirm there is flexibility on the exact move-in date without penalty. The Atrium accommodates all four.
What is the best neighborhood for military families near Fort Hood? ▾
Central Killeen — where The Atrium Apartments is located at 405 Root Ave — offers a short commute to Fort Hood's main gate (2–4 miles), proximity to schools and retail, and access to a range of rental options. Many military families choose this area specifically for the commute advantage.
What mistakes do soldiers make when renting off-post near Fort Hood? ▾
The most common mistakes: (1) Waiting until after inprocessing to search — good units near the main gate go fast; apply 30–60 days before your report date. (2) Assuming BAH doesn't count as income — it does, and a current LES is all the proof you need. (3) Not confirming SCRA protections before signing. (4) Choosing the cheapest unit without verifying the commute to your specific unit's gate — Fort Hood has 15 gates, and distance to the Main Gate may not equal distance to where you actually report.
Why do off-post apartment searches near Fort Hood fall through? ▾
Three common reasons: (1) Limited inventory close to the main gate — the short commute window has few civilian apartment options, and they get leased before soldiers arrive without a sight-unseen application in place. (2) Credit score minimums — many Killeen complexes require 600–650+, which blocks service members with thin or bruised credit histories. (3) BAH not accepted as income — some landlords require civilian pay stubs and won't accept an LES. The Atrium has no minimum credit score, accepts BAH as verifiable income, and takes sight-unseen applications so you can secure a unit from your current duty station.

Ready to find your off-post home?

Call us or schedule a tour online. Available units at 405 Root Ave, Killeen TX — minutes from Fort Hood.