Request for Reimbursement of Expenses Incurred During TDY for Lodging Provided by Friend

An advance decision was requested concerning the reimbursement of expenses for lodging incurred by a member of the military during temporary duty. Since government quarters were not available, the member stayed at the apartment of a friend to whom he paid $300 in rent. He received no receipt for the payment from the apartment owner or his friend, nor did he furnish any information indicating that increased costs were incurred by his host due to his stay at the apartment. GAO held that, if the member uses no lodging during the temporary duty period or utilizes lodging as a guest of friends or relatives, then the average cost of lodging is zero under federal regulations. Accordingly, the claim for reimbursement was denied.