How to Choose the Best Short-Term Housing During Your PCS Move
DECEMBER 22, 2025 – Getting your PCS orders to Germany is exciting, but finding temporary housing near Ramstein can be tougher than expected. Between jet lag, paperwork, and housing waitlists, knowing where and how to search for a Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) apartment can make all the difference. Here are five insider tips every service member or civilian heading to Germany should know before their move.
1. Start Your Search Before You Land
The best off-base TLA apartments near Ramstein fill up quickly. Use Facebook housing groups like KMC Rentals, U.S. military relocation websites, and platforms like bookoo or finditguide before your flight. Many listings include photos, amenities, and English-speaking landlords.
Ideally, start reaching out to landlords or booking platforms four to six weeks before your report date. The best off-base TLA apartments near Ramstein are often reserved weeks in advance, especially those with U.S.-style amenities.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, look for listings that offer video tours or virtual walk-throughs of the apartment. This gives you a realistic impression of the layout, lighting, and furniture before you book, and helps you spot the genuine listings from the low-quality ones.
2. Verify TLA Compliance
Only properties that meet the TLA lodging standards can be reimbursed. Before booking, be sure to double-check with your landlord. To qualify for reimbursement, a TLA apartment must typically include:
- A fully equipped kitchen (with stove, refrigerator, cookware, and utensils)
- A private bathroom
- Furnished living and sleeping areas
- Washer and dryer access (in-unit or shared)
- Internet service and utilities included in the price
For reimbursement, make sure your invoices clearly show the price per night in euros, including all taxes (VAT). The Finance Office will not accept receipts that only list a total amount without a nightly breakdown. Reimbursements are processed in U.S. dollars using the official DoD exchange rate in effect at the time your claim is processed; this rate may differ slightly from the daily market rate. VAT forms cannot be used for TLA stays, since reimbursable lodging expenses are not eligible for tax exemption.
Keep in mind that TLA reimbursements are capped based on the official per diem lodging rate for the area. Always keep digital copies of your receipts. The Finance Office often asks for them again during processing, so having PDFs ready can save you days of back-and-forth.
3. Compare On-Base vs. Off-Base Lodging
On-base lodging feels more like a hotel stay (compact rooms, shared facilities, and limited cooking options), while off-base apartments let you live more independently, cook your own meals, and enjoy more space for family life. Off-base housing also lets you experience everyday German culture. It offers more privacy, extra space, and the kind of flexibility that TDY and PCS guests appreciate.
Housing providers like Stay Eden in Ramstein offer fully equipped off-base apartments designed specifically for TLA, PCS, and TDY guests. Before deciding, think about your priorities. On-base housing makes sense if you’re looking for quick access to work, school, or community programs, and you don’t mind stricter rules or limited space.
On the other hand, off-base apartments are ideal if you value independence, more room for family life, or a quieter environment away from base routines. Many service members even start off-base for their TLA period and later move on-base once permanent quarters become available.
On-base is all about structure and convenience. Off-base offers comfort and flexibility. Knowing which matters more to you helps you make the right call for your PCS or TDY stay in Germany. In most cases around Ramstein, a Certificate of Non-Availability (CNA) isn’t required due to limited on-base availability. Just make sure to review your travel orders to confirm your lodging is authorized.
4. Pick the Right Area Around Ramstein
Each area around Ramstein has its own advantages, depending on what you’re looking for. Landstuhl is closest to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and great if you want quick access to the autobahn. Mackenbach tends to be quieter and more residential, with several short-term rentals suited for TLA guests.
Weilerbach offers a more local German vibe while still being just minutes from base services and shopping. Families often prefer Weilerbach or Mackenbach for their quiet neighborhoods and proximity to the Ramstein school district, making daily drop-offs and pickups quick and easy.
Most off-base TLA apartments are within a 10- to 15-minute drive of Ramstein AB, but traffic can vary depending on time of day and construction. Check commute routes and parking availability before you book, especially if you’ll be driving in for morning briefings or school drop-offs. Use Google Maps Street View or explore the area using the map’s “nearby” search.
5. Plan for the Transition to Permanent Housing
Keep all receipts and contracts for finance processing. Once you secure permanent quarters, inform the Finance Office immediately to avoid overpayment of TLA. If there’s a gap between checkout and move-in, coordinate with your landlord or the base lodging desk for a short extension.
To stay eligible for an extended TLA period, keep detailed records of your housing search, such as emails, property viewings, or listings you’ve contacted. The Finance Office requires active house-hunting documentation to approve any TLA extensions.
If you need a TLA extension, submit your request before your current period ends, even one missed day can reset your approval process. Many service members arriving at Ramstein AB or Landstuhl Regional Medical Center rely on off-base apartments during their first weeks in Germany.
Endnote
Finding the right temporary home near Ramstein is about starting your new assignment without stress. With early planning and the right information, your PCS move will be a lot smoother.