Request for Reimbursement of Relocation Expenses Involving Lease Termination

The issue was whether an employee of the Defese Logistics Agency was entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred for settling an unexpired lease at the time of his transfer. The claimant was forced to break his lease and pay lease termination expenses. The employee and his landlord negotiated the amount of settlement of the lease. Since the claimant reduced his possible liability, the amount paid constituted a reasonable effort to settle his outstanding obligation and he may be reimbursed these expenses. However, he may not be reimbursed for the additional rent charges as a result of his remaining in his apartment 3 days beyond the date upon which he had agreed to vacate. This charge was simply rent for quarters that had been occupied as a permanent residence and such rent is not reimbursable.