TLE Reimbursement for PCS: What You Need to Know
When I went through my first Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move after OCS, I learned quickly that Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) reimbursement isn’t as simple as keeping a receipt. One question I hear often from junior officers and new candidates is whether they can use an Airbnb and still get reimbursed. The short answer is: it’s possible, but the hoops can be maddening. Let me break down the gouge (insider tips) on TLE reimbursement so you can plan your move without getting burned.
Every year, the military updates its Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), so always check the latest rules with your local finance office or administrative department. But the basics hold steady, and I’ll cover the key points here.
What Is TLE Reimbursement?
Temporary Lodging Expense, or TLE, is a per diem (daily allowance) that helps cover the cost of lodging and meals when you’re in between homes during a PCS. You can claim up to 10 days at your losing duty station and 10 days at your gaining station, combined. For most officer candidates and junior officers, that’s a big help when the closing date on your house doesn’t line up with your report date.
I’ve seen shipmates (fellow service members) use TLE to stay in hotels, temporary lodging on base, or even with family if they can provide receipts (more on that later). The key is that you must be in a PCS status, and the lodging must be necessary because your permanent quarters aren’t available.
Certificate of Non-Availability (CNA): Your First Step
If there’s on-base lodging available at your gaining installation, you generally have to use it first. If it’s full or doesn’t meet your family’s needs, you need a Certificate of Non-Availability (CNA) from the lodging office. Without that, the Department of Defense (DOD) won’t reimburse you for commercial lodging, including Airbnbs.
Getting a CNA is usually straightforward: call the lodging office at your gaining base, ask if they have space, and if they don’t, they’ll issue the certificate. If they have space but you choose an Airbnb anyway, you won’t get TLE reimbursement. I’ve seen many a young officer scuttlebutt (spread rumors) about ways around this, but the rule is firm.
Can You Use an Airbnb and Get TLE Reimbursement?
This is the million-dollar question. The DOD wants lodging to be like a hotel: nightly rate, taxes, and a receipt for each day. Most Airbnb hosts provide a single receipt for the entire stay, which won’t work for TLE. You need an itemized receipt that shows the nightly rate, taxes, and dates. Some hosts are willing to provide this if you ask, but don’t count on it.
If you can get an itemized receipt from your Airbnb host, then yes—it’s reimbursable up to the local TLE per diem rate. I’ve had a shipmate in the cryptologic community do this successfully by emailing the host beforehand and explaining what he needed. But if the host only provides a lump-sum receipt, the finance office will likely deny your claim.
Another workaround: if you’re unable to find commercial lodging that meets the receipt requirements, consider on-base lodging or a hotel. A lot of candidates I’ve mentored prefer hotels simply because the receipt process is smoother.
How to Claim TLE Reimbursement
You file your TLE claim using the smart voucher (DD Form 1351-2) when you sign in at your gaining command. If you haven’t closed on a home yet and need to stay longer, you can request an amendment after the fact. Pro tip: keep every receipt, including for meals if you’re claiming the meal portion. And yes, pet fees may be reimbursable if your orders specifically authorize them. I’ve seen candidates get reimbursed for kennel fees, so don’t overlook that.
For more details on the entire PCS process, check out our Navy OCS Journey hub, which covers everything from orders to check-in.
The bottom line: yes, you can use an Airbnb for temporary lodging during a PCS, but getting TLE reimbursement requires an itemized receipt and a CNA if on-base lodging is available. Don’t let the scuttlebutt lead you astray—plan ahead, talk to your host, and keep your paperwork tight. Fair winds and following seas on your move.
