Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) in Germany

Everything You Need to Know About TLA 

When you first arrive in Germany, you’ll usually need temporary housing before moving into your permanent home. This gives you time to view houses in person, organize your move and start settling in. If you’re coming to Germany on PCS orders, one of the first questions is how to cover the cost of temporary lodging. The Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) helps active-duty service members pay for eligible lodging and daily expenses (M&IE) during this crucial time spent searching for permanent housing. To receive reimbursement, your lodging must meet the official TLA requirements. Providers can tell you whether their apartments include the required amenities, but final approval always comes from the Housing Office and the Finance Office.

TLA is typically authorized for up to 30 days after arrival and may be extended to a maximum of 60 days when approved by both Housing and Finance. TLA may also be authorized just before departure if you’ve already moved out of your long-term home. Keep in mind that TLA is not automatic — you must submit your claim through the Housing Office, which coordinates processing with the Finance Office. You’ll also need to provide proof of active house-hunting to remain eligible. Factors such as family status, HHG timelines and local housing availability may affect your entitlement. Understanding how TLA works, who qualifies, what’s covered and how long it lasts makes your PCS move to Germany a lot easier.

How to Apply for TLA After Arrival

You can only apply for TLA once you’ve arrived at your duty station in Germany, because reimbursement is based on your actual lodging expenses. However, many active duty service members prepare their housing paperwork with the KMC Housing Office in advance to avoid any delay after arrival.

Under standard PCS rules, the TLA process begins with your local on-post Housing Office. They will review your situation and determine whether an on-base lodging attempt is justifiable. However, in the Ramstein/KMC area, many PCS orders already authorize off-base lodging due to limited on-base availability. If your orders include this authorization, you may move directly into off-base lodging without checking with Base Lodging first. A CNA is only required if your PCS orders specifically state that you must attempt on-base lodging first — so simply check your orders to confirm whether a CNA applies to your situation.

Your temporary lodging must meet the TLA standards established by the JTR, Air Force guidance and the local Housing Office. For a complete overview of the required amenities, see the section “Required Amenities for TLA-Reimbursable Lodging.” 

Keep all lodging receipts and maintain documentation of your housing search like emails, listings oder viewing appointments. M&IE is calculated based on the TLA rate table and does not require meal receipts. Your claim is submitted through the Housing Office and Finance Office and processed in 10- or 15-day increments. Without complete documentation and proof of active house hunting, reimbursement is usually not approved.

If you’re traveling on TDY orders instead of PCS orders, different reimbursement rules apply. Learn more about the TDY Lodging Allowance and how it compares to TLA in our TDY Lodging Guide.

Required Amenities for TLA-Reimbursable Lodging

To qualify for TLA reimbursement, temporary lodging must meet the standards defined in the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), Air Force guidance and the local Ramstein Housing Office. These rules determine whether a unit is considered “adequate” for a TLA stay in Germany.

• Full furnishings, including beds, seating, tables, storage and lighting
• A complete kitchen, such as a cooktop or stove, oven or microwave, refrigerator and basic cookware, dishes and utensils
• Heating appropriate for year-round living
• Reliable internet access suitable for work and communication
• Laundry access, either in the unit or on the property with tenant access
• Sleeping arrangements for all command-sponsored dependents, based on family size and Housing requirements
• A reasonable commute to the duty station, as evaluated by the Housing Office
• A price within the authorized TLA limit
• A VAT-compliant invoice, required by the Finance Office for reimbursement processing

Meeting these standards ensures that the lodging is considered adequate under TLA rules. To avoid delays, also doublecheck with the landlord if the unit meets these requirements. Final approval for TLA reimbursement is always determined by the Ramstein Housing Office.

What TLA Covers and What It Doesn’t: Lodging, Meals & Incidental expenses (M&IE)

TLA primarily reimburses lodging costs up to the authorized rate and includes a daily allowance for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE). M&IE (Meals & Incidental Expenses) provides reimbursement for daily meals and minor incidental costs, calculated as a percentage of the local Per Diem rate. 
 
Typically covered: 

• Lodging costs such as room rates or apartment rent in TLA-compliant accommodations 
• Utilities included in the rental price (e.g. electricity, water, heating) 
• Taxes and lodging fees (e.g. VAT or local city tax) 
• Meals are covered under the TLA M&IE allowance based on TLA rate tables
• Standard service tips (e.g. for hotel staff or baggage service) 
• Minor daily expenses related to meals, depending on Per Diem rules 

Coverage depends on your official orders and the local per diem rate. When in doubt, check with the KMC Housing Office or Finance Office for clarification. 

Not covered by TLA: 

• Lodging upgrades above the approved rate 
• Extra hotel services such as minibar or spa treatments 
• Rental deposits 
• Rental cars, fuel or parking fees 
• Public transportation (unless separately authorized in your orders) 
• Moving expenses (covered under HHG/PCS allowances) 
• Entertainment or leisure costs (movies, outings, streaming, etc.) 
• Alcohol or luxury meal expenses 
• Furniture or household purchases 
• Phone or internet contracts 
• Insurance (car, personal liability, etc.) 
• Travel costs for dependents not command-sponsored 
• Pet costs (e.g. transport or boarding) 
• Medical expenses like doctor visits or prescriptions (covered by TRICARE)
• Laundry costs are generally not reimbursed separately under TLA but may fall under the M&IE allowance

Cars and Rentals during your TLA Period

Rental car costs are not covered under TLA. However, there are several ways to stay mobile during your transition: 

If your Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) hasn’t arrived yet or you chose not to ship one to Germany, your Authorizing Official (AO) may authorize a rental car under separate PCS travel entitlements. In most cases, this authorization should appear in your PCS orders in line with JTR 020207, although the exact process may vary by command and situation.

Many off-base lodging providers also offer rental cars as part of their package or at discounted rates. While not reimbursable through TLA, this can be a convenient temporary solution. 

Tips for Staying Eligible for TLA

Once your authorized TLA period ends, you’ll need to cover any additional lodging costs out of pocket unless your Housing Office approves an exception based on your situation. To avoid any gaps in reimbursement, keep these points in mind: 

• Start house hunting immediately upon arrival to show active effort. 
• Keep detailed records of your housing search such as emails, listings and viewing appointments. 
• Stay in close contact with your local Housing Office, since they review and approve all TLA extensions.

Following these steps will help you stay compliant with TLA requirements and increase your chances of approval if you need an extension.

Why Stay Eden is the Right Choice for Your TLA Stay in Germany

At Stay Eden, we make arriving in Germany easy. Our fully furnished, TLA-compliant apartments meet all lodging requirements defined in the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), Air Force guidance and the local Ramstein Housing Office. Our accommodations are ideal for active duty service members on TLA, as well as DoD civilian employees and government contractors relocating to Germany. All apartments are located just a few minutes from Ramstein Air Base and are designed for both comfort and everyday convenience, helping you feel at home right after arrival.

We focus on cleanliness, quality and reliability so you can feel well cared for from day one. Unlike standard hotel rooms or on-base Temporary Lodging Facility (TLF), our off-base TLA apartments include everything you need for daily living:

• A fully equipped kitchen for home-cooked meals
• In-unit washer and dryer
• High-speed Wi-Fi and smart TV
• Private balcony, garden or terrace
• Extras such as a Finnish sauna, home gym, PlayStation 5 and Weber gas grill
  

We also help you stay mobile with convenient rental cars available directly through Stay Eden. Whether you’re stationed at Ramstein AB, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) or Vogelweh, we make commuting and everyday errands easy.