Real Estate Expense Claim

A decision was requested regarding a reclaim voucher for real estate expenses, incurred in connection with the sale of a residence incident to a permanent change of station. Specifically, the claimant requested reimbursement for the cost of obtaining a termite-free certification required by the contract of sale. The claimant contended that the extermination expenses were not related to house maintenance since there was no ascertainable infestation when the work was performed. GAO held that the nature of the work involved in the extermination did not change simply because it was a prerequisite to the issuance of a termite certificate or because there was no visible infestation when the work was performed. Therefore, the costs claimed were properly characterized as maintenance expenses which are not reimbursable under Federal regulations. Accordingly, the reclaim voucher was not certifiable for payment.