Temporary Lodging

Important Note: There have recently been reports of predatory TLA companies in the local economy taking advantage of service members, resulting in thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses.

Protect yourself:

• You should always be informed of the nightly rate, in writing, prior to confirming a reservation.
• Make sure the payment terms are clear, including any required deposits, the payment frequency, and refund policy.
• Do not share or transmit sensitive financial information through unsecure methods.
• Clarify any additional fees or charges you are expected to pay and what services, if any, are included as part of your reservation. Obtain all information in writing to protect yourself.
• We recommend not disclosing the number, ages, or genders, of any dependents PCSing with you.
• Off-base companies often try to charge you addition amounts based on your dependents’ info, resulting in a loss of meals & incidentals per diem allowances, to maximize their income.
• We strongly recommend against entering into any sort of multi-week contract with TLA companies that may prevent you from occupying a home, either on-base or in the local economy, as soon as is possible.

You do not need your orders to make a reservation!  You should make your lodging reservation as soon as you know your anticipated arrival date.  Be sure to provide lodging an update if your anticipated travel-date changes.  Changes to travel dates could result in on-base accommodations or a specific room type to no longer be available for the duration of the stay.

All lodging guests must provide a valid credit card and government identification card for verification purposes at time of check-in. Guests who do not have a valid credit card at check-in must pay for the entire stay up front with check or cash (or 30 days room fees up-front for longer stays).

Lodging facilities are located at Ramstein AB, Landstuhl Post, and Vogelweh Housing Area. Lodging provides family, officer and enlisted quarters on a priority basis to all military and authorized civilians relocating to and visiting the KMC. The maximum Temporary Lodging Facility (TLF) stay is 30 days, if available when booking - there is no guarantee that you will be offered a Temporary Living Facility on your assigned installation.  It is likely that individuals and families may be required to stay on Landstuhl, Vogelweh, or off-base during peak travel periods.  A limited number of pet-friendly TLFs are available on Ramstein AB. Note: If non-pet TLFs are available, a certificate of Non-Availability will NOT be issued. Occupants will obtain appropriate care for their pets when pet units are not available.

You can make your own reservations or your sponsor can assist you online at the Kaiserslautern Military Community Lodging website or you can call the central reservations desk at DSN: 314-480-4920 or +49-6371-47-4920 (international calling rates may apply).

If off-base lodging arrangements must be made, lodging will normally offer commercial lodging at lower, pre-negotiated, tax-free rates at selected local hotels. Lodging will normally only issue a non-availability statement when no on-base or contract lodging is available. If you are issued a non-availability letter, contact your sponsor for assistance in making other lodging arrangements and be sure to use a Value Added Tax (VAT) form to avoid paying the local taxes (about 19%). For more information about VAT forms and how to get them, click here.

Both the VAT Office and UTAP Office allow service members to save up to 19% on purchases/service made on the local economy. UTAP specifically saves on Electrical, Gas and Water. 

Single and/or Unaccompanied E-3s and Below
Single or unaccompanied military members in grades E-1 through E-3 ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TEMPORARY LODGING ALLOWANCE. After your sponsor meets you at the airport, your first stop on base should be the DRC to be assigned a room. If you arrive on a weekend, holiday or down day, your sponsor can stop by the DRC one day earlier to get keys to a hospitality room until you can contact the Dormitory Reception Center.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where are you located? The Ramstein lodging office is located within the Base Exchange on Ramstein AB. The Kaiserslautern Military Community Center (KMCC), is located at Bldg. 2020, 5th Avenue on Kapaun AB. The Vogelweh reception desk is in building 1002 on Vogelweh AB, and the Landstuhl reception desk is in building 3756 on Landstuhl Post.

Who’s authorized TLA? TLA, both upon arrival and upon departure, are processed for by the finance office in which the service member assigned and is only valid for lodging expenses within the PDS vicinity. Service members who are eligible to live in the economy or military family (on-base) housing can claim TLA. Dorm residents are not permitted to utilize TLA unless specifically authorized.

Authorized TLA options? The Housing Office advises members to contact installation lodging. We do not specifically authorize or endorse any off-base hotels or lodging companies.  

Authorized TLA rates? Lodging reimbursement rates in a PDS area are limited to the on-base rate; if on-base lodging is not available, the lodging rate is limited to the maximum permitted rate as set by the DTMO.

Authorized TLA duration and circumstances? Members are expected to secure a home that can be occupied within 30 days of arriving in the PDS and TLA must be validated every 10-15 days at the KMC Housing Office. Continued use of TLA may authorized based on individual circumstances and service members demonstrating that they are aggressively seeking permanent housing.

TLA Claim timeline? Service members must visit the KMC Housing Office in-person every 10-15 days to submit a TLA Reimbursement Claim. Members must present a paid and itemized lodging receipt as well as a landlord contact sheet (see attached) listing all the homes they have visited during that TLA claim period. A minimum of three homes must to be listed for the first TLA claim period and all subsequent claims require at least 6 additional properties be listed until a rental agreement has been secured.

Expectations? New arrivals and incoming members should be briefed by and submit all necessary paperwork to the KMC Housing Office no more than 2 business days after arrival. Briefing documents can be sent in advance upon request, found on our website, or found at the housing office.