The Quartering Act

Passed June 2, 1774, the Quartering Act was designed to improve housing options for regular troops stationed in the colonies. It seeks to address American doubts about "whether troops can be quartered otherwise than in barracks" if barracks were already provided for them by provincial and local authorities. It allowed military commanders to billet soldiers in empty houses, barns, and other outbuildings if colonial officials failed to provide adequate housing do so within 24 hours of a request for it. Officers were also required to make "a reasonable allowance" to the owners of such buildings for their use.

Contrary to radical claims, the Act did not grant commanding officers the authority to impose soldiers on private homes. In fact, the Quartering Act of 1765 established stiff penalties that remained in effect, including the immediate and permanent removal from the service any officer who attempted to do so. The act was intended to remain in force only until March 1776.