If approved, modifications will be at occupant expense and must follow self-help guidelines in chapter 21, and must comply with electrical and fire safety codes. Utility costs associated with home enterprises will be recouped when such collections are cost effective. Cost effectiveness will be determined by the local base civil engineer. The provisions of DOD Directive 5500.7, Standards of Conduct, concerning solicited sales to personnel junior in rank or grade apply. Authorization of family member employment in government quarters should be conditioned upon agreement by the family member to comply with the provisions of DOD Directive 5500.7 and Service regulations prohibiting solicited sales to subordinates.
Personal liability is a definite possibility when conducting a private business.
Accordingly, applicants should consider obtaining personal liability insurance which will apply to legal actions brought by customers as well as covering the applicant for damage to government property. This message changes that policy. Effective immediately family member employment from government quarters will be allowed with the following provisions. Requests for permission to conduct a home enterprise such as child care, tailoring, tax preparation, dressmaking, etc., in military family housing should be made in writing to the installation commander or designee who should ensure that each request is expeditiously answered in writing. Such issues as local government licensing requirements, potential government liability, overseas Status of Forces Agreements, host country business practices, and prospective advertising practices should be taken into account as each request is considered.