It is administered by Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) and is the overseas equivalent of the Basic Allowance for Housing.
Each servicemember is allowed a set OHA rate, broken down by district, depending on where they are stationed.
There are three factors for determining the maximum amount of OHA allowed to the servicemember: OHA is paid in the dollar equivalent of the rent due, and therefore rises and falls with monthly changes in the exchange rate.
This is usually a flat rate given to the member to cover the cost of utilities, regardless of the actual amount.
In certain countries, an additional Move In Housing Allowance (MIHA) is allotted to cover the cost of cleaning, maintenance, repainting, and general refurbishing of the rental unit.