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TLA near Ramstein — everything you need to know
Everything military families need to know about Temporary Lodging Allowance in the KMC area
What is TLA/TLF?
Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) is a housing allowance that covers the cost of temporary lodging for military service members and their families when arriving at or departing from an overseas duty station.
It's designed to bridge the gap between your arrival in Germany and moving into permanent housing — or between leaving your permanent housing and departing the country.
If you landed here mainly needing somewhere to sleep rather than an explanation of the entitlement, start with where to stay in Landstuhl — it covers every option in town, on base and off, and who qualifies for each. If you have already narrowed it to a furnished apartment and are comparing a few, the eight questions to ask before you book are the ones that decide it.
Quick definitions
Eligibility
Active duty military members on PCS orders to or from installations in the KMC area (Ramstein Air Base, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, and others) are eligible for TLA. Still at your current base with orders in hand? See what to arrange before you fly so arrival lodging is sorted before you land.
For full TLA reimbursement: Active Duty members on PCS orders should contact the Ramstein Lodging Office (DSN 480-4920 / 06371-47-4920) to request a Statement of Non-Availability. If the on-base TLF is full, they'll issue the letter — bring it when you file your TLA claim. TDY personnel, GS civilians, and contractors may have different requirements — check with your unit or finance office.
On-base lodging caps stays at 30 days. If you're still waiting on permanent housing once that cap runs out — or the TLF fills up before you even get there — that's a standard trigger for an SNA. Here's what to do next: our full Statement of Non-Availability guide.
Still deciding which way to go? our honest, side-by-side comparison of on-base TLF and off-base TLA walks through space, cost, and availability so you can pick with your eyes open.
GS (civilian) personnel may qualify for TQSA instead of TLA — check with your finance office for details.
Reimbursement Rates & Calculator
TLA reimbursement rates are set by the Department of Defense and vary by location. Your TLA covers both lodging and a meals & incidentals allowance (M&IE). For a full breakdown of the current TLA per diem rates for Ramstein & Landstuhl, including how lodging ceilings and M&IE are calculated, see our dedicated guide.
Good news: Mumo's Inn rates are designed to align with published lodging ceilings. We provide reimbursement-ready invoices that your finance office will accept.
Check current rates
Use the official DoD allowance calculator to look up the current Landstuhl/Ramstein rate:
DoD Allowance CalculatorPayment & Process
We take a few different payment methods, whichever is easiest for you:
Government Travel Card (GTC) — most common for TLA guests
Bank transfer (SEPA)
Cash (EUR)
Major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
VAT exemption: As a member of U.S. forces under the NATO SOFA agreement, you're eligible for VAT (19%) exemption on lodging. We'll help you with the VAT form paperwork.
TQSA for GS Civilians
If you're a GS civilian, your temporary housing falls under TQSA (Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance) rather than TLA. The good news: you generally don't need a Non-Availability Letter, and TQSA is non-taxable. Our rates work for TQSA guests too, and we'll provide the documentation your finance office requires. Reach out and we'll walk you through it.
TQSA is non-taxable. If you're on TQSA (civilian), the allowance is not considered taxable income.
For expenses incurred before arriving in Germany (e.g., hotel stays during travel), keep your receipts — these may be reimbursable through your travel voucher. Consult your finance office for specifics.
Read more about TQSA housing in Landstuhl.
Try base lodging first
Start with the on-base lodging office, and ask about Fisher House if you are here for a medical stay. On-base stays cap at 30 days when space allows, so ask them where you stand before you plan around it. We are one apartment and we book out. If we are full, text us anyway and we will tell you who else is worth calling.
Questions we hear all the time
What is TLA (Temporary Lodging Allowance)?
TLA is a housing allowance that covers the cost of temporary lodging for military service members and their families when arriving at or departing from an overseas duty station. It helps bridge the gap between your arrival in Germany and moving into permanent housing.
What's the difference between TLA, TLF, TDY, and TQSA?
TLA (Temporary Lodging Allowance) covers temporary housing overseas. TLF (Temporary Lodging Facility) is on-base temporary housing. TDY (Temporary Duty) is for short-term assignments away from your permanent duty station. TQSA (Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance) is similar to TLA but for civilian employees stationed overseas.
Do I need a Non-Availability Letter to stay at Mumo's Inn?
Not necessarily. If you're Active Duty on PCS orders, the Ramstein Lodging Office (DSN 480-4920 / 06371-47-4920) will issue a Statement of Non-Availability if the on-base TLF is full — bring that letter when you file your TLA claim. If you're TDY, a GS civilian, a contractor, or visiting LRMC, you may not need one. Either way, you're welcome at Mumo's Inn. Just reach out and we'll help you figure out what applies to your situation.
Do I have to stay on base at Ramstein?
No — TLA isn't an on-base-only benefit. When the on-base Temporary Lodging Facility is full, or you've reached its 30-day stay cap, the Lodging Office issues a Statement of Non-Availability that authorizes an off-base stay reimbursed at your TLA rate. The paperwork is what matters, not where you sleep. See our full Statement of Non-Availability guide.
What is the TLA reimbursement rate for Landstuhl?
TLA reimbursement rates are set by the Department of Defense and vary by location. The Landstuhl/Ramstein area rate covers lodging and a meals & incidentals allowance (M&IE). Check the current rate at the official DoD allowance calculator. Our rates are designed to align with published lodging ceilings.
Will I have any out-of-pocket costs?
Our nightly rates are designed to align with published TLA and TQSA lodging ceilings. Most guests on orders are reimbursed in full, and you are just as welcome without any. Actual reimbursement depends on your orders, branch, and funding — check with your finance office for details.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Government Travel Card (GTC), bank transfer (SEPA), cash (EUR), and major credit/debit cards. Most TLA guests pay with their GTC. If you bring a VAT form, we fill in our side of it.
What is a VAT form and do I need one?
A VAT (Value Added Tax) form exempts you from paying German sales tax (19%) on your lodging. As a member of the U.S. forces under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), you're eligible for this exemption. We'll help you with the paperwork.
Is your apartment pet-friendly?
Yes! We welcome well-behaved pets — no deposits, no breed restrictions. We'll have treats ready for dogs and cats on arrival. Boris, our own feel-good agent, would love to meet your furry friend and show them the best walking routes in the neighborhood.
How far is Mumo's Inn from Ramstein Air Base?
Mumo's Inn is approximately 10 minutes by car from Ramstein Air Base (about 8 km). We're located in Landstuhl's Atzel neighborhood, which is also a short walk (about 850 m) from Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC).
What amenities are included?
Everything you need for a comfortable stay: fully furnished rooms, high-speed WiFi, Smart TVs in every room, PS5 on request, fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, free parking, and air conditioning. The apartment accommodates up to six people. See the full apartment with photos.
How long can I stay?
TLA is typically authorized for up to 10 days on arrival and up to 10 days on departure. Extensions may be possible depending on your orders and housing situation. We're flexible and happy to accommodate your timeline.
Do you offer a loaner car?
Yes — a complimentary Toyota Yaris Hybrid comes with every single stay at no extra cost, insurance included. It's fuel-efficient and easy to park. It's ready and waiting for you on arrival day, no need to ask.
How do I book?
The easiest way is to send us a WhatsApp message at +49 174 263 9120 or email [email protected]. You can also use our contact form. Let us know your check-in/check-out dates, number of guests, and whether you're bringing pets. We'll confirm availability and send you all the details.
More TLA & TQSA Resources
Take this with you
You don't have to keep this page open. One of us built a free app for exactly this — it has a TLA/TQSA logger that tracks your nights and dates as you go, so the numbers are ready when your finance office asks. No account needed, and it works whether you stay with us or somewhere else in the KMC.
Check out the Boris app →Still have questions?
We're happy to help with anything TLA-related.