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 which is why many service members explore apartments in the KMC early on. 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, which is why choosing the right TLA housing near Ramstein is important from the start. 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 typically covers up to 30 days after arrival, and Housing and Finance may approve an extension to a maximum of 60 days. They may also authorize TLA 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.
Quick Navigation
- How to Apply for TLA After Arrival
- Required Amenities for TLA-Reimbursable Lodging
- What TLA Covers and What It Doesn’t: Lodging, Meals & Incidental expenses (M&IE)
- Cars and Rentals during your TLA Period
- Tips for Staying Eligible for TLA
- Why Stay Eden is the Right Choice for Your TLA Stay in Germany
How to Apply for TLA After Arrival
You can only apply for TLA after arriving at your duty station in Germany, as reimbursement is based on actual lodging expenses. Many service members prepare their housing paperwork with the KMC Housing Office in advance to avoid delays after arrival.
Under PCS rules, the TLA process starts with the local Housing Office. They decide whether you must attempt on-base lodging. 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. A CNA is only required if your orders specifically require an on-base lodging attempt.
Temporary lodging must meet TLA standards set by the JTR, Air Force guidance, and the local Housing Office. A full list of required amenities is covered in the following section “Required Amenities for TLA-Reimbursable Lodging.”
Keep all lodging receipts and proof of active house hunting, such as emails, listings, or viewing appointments.The TLA rate table determines M&IE, and you do not need to submit meal receipts. You submit your claim through the Housing Office and Finance Office, which reviews your documentation and forwards it to the Finance Office for payment processing. Claims are typically processed in 10- or 15-day increments. Without complete documentation, Finance does not approve reimbursement.
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.
All Stay Eden apartments meet all lodging standards required for TLA reimbursement. In the Ramstein/Kaiserslautern area, a Certificate of Non-Availability (CNA) is typically not required. Off-base lodging is usually pre-authorized under local policy due to the limited availability of on-base facilities.
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 define whether a unit qualifies as “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 WiFi 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. The Ramstein Housing Office always determines final approval for TLA reimbursement.
The Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) is a financial benefit for active-duty military members. It helps cover the cost of temporary lodging and meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) after arriving at an overseas duty station (OCONUS), such as Ramstein Air Base, while securing permanent housing.
TLA is available to active-duty service members stationed OCONUS (Outside the Continental United States), including their command-sponsored dependents. DoD civilian employees typically receive TQSA (Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance) instead, while government contractors may receive Per Diem depending on their contract.
TLA is typically approved for up to 30 days after arrival. If needed, the Housing Office may extend it, often up to 60 days. Before departure, up to 10 days of TLA may also be authorized if you have already vacated your permanent housing.
TLA reimburses active-duty service members for authorized temporary lodging, such as serviced or fully furnished apartments. It also includes a daily allowance for Meals and Incidental Expenses (M&IE). TLA rates are determined locally by Housing and Finance Offices and are based on M&IE per diem rates, family status, authorized dependents, and the percentage authorized for your TLA period.
M&IE (Meals & Incidental Expenses) covers daily meals and small incidental expenses, based on the TLA rate tables. It typically includes breakfast, lunch, dinner up to the daily limit, standard service tips and minor daily costs. For TLA, having a kitchen does not reduce M&IE.
TLA-compliant lodging refers to accommodations that meet the requirements set by the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), Air Force guidance, and the local Housing Office. These requirements typically include features such as full furnishings, a complete kitchen, laundry access, reliable internet, and heating. Serviced or fully furnished apartments usually meet these standards. Airbnb and similar private rentals often do not qualify.
To apply for TLA, stay in lodging that meets official requirements and keep all receipts. After arrival, submit your claim and proof of active house hunting to the Housing Office. Your documentation is reviewed before reimbursement is processed.
TLA reimbursement is processed in increments, typically every 10 or 15 days. You submit your claim to the Housing Office, which verifies your documentation and forwards the approved claim to the Finance Office for payment. Reimbursement is issued once all required receipts and proof of active house hunting have been submitted.
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
At Stay Eden, there are no hidden costs. Utilities like electricity, water, heating and WiFi are all included, along with essential amenities. This ensures your lodging meets the standards typically required for TLA reimbursement up to the authorized rate.
Cars and Rentals during your TLA Period
Rental cars are not covered under TLA. However, depending on your PCS orders, separate travel entitlements may authorize a rental vehicle. 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.
At Stay Eden, TLA guests enjoy the convenience of our own vehicle fleet. Share your travel dates with us and we’ll reserve the ideal car for you right away.
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.
We know the paperwork for TLA can be overwhelming. Our Stay Eden team is happy to help you prepare the right documentation and records so your claim is processed smoothly.
TLA is applied for after arriving at your duty station, since reimbursement is based on your actual lodging expenses.
Yes, TLA can be extended. It is initially approved for up to 30 days and may be extended by the Housing Office in increments, typically every 10 or 15 days, if you provide proof of active house hunting. In rare cases, such as uninhabitable housing or major delays, extensions beyond 60 days require higher-level approval.
If you have not secured permanent housing by the end of your authorized TLA period, reimbursement is paused until an extension is approved. You can request an extension through the Housing Office, which may grant additional days if you can demonstrate active house hunting and a lack of suitable housing.
No, DoD civilian employees and government contractors are not eligible for TLA. During a PCS, DoD civilian employees may qualify for TQSA instead. Government contractors may receive reimbursement for lodging and meals through employer-defined Per Diem, depending on their contract.
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 WiFi 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.
With Stay Eden, you get the peace of mind, comfort and flexibility you need during your TLA stay in Germany – all in one place. We look forward to hearing from you. Because home is where you are!
