Per Diem for Lodging in Noncommercial Quarters

A decision was requested regarding the determination of the proper per diem in lieu of actual subsistence due an employee incident to a temporary duty assignment. The employee may not be paid per diem under the lodgings-plus system based on payments for lodging at a friend's home without information showing that the amount claimed reflected the additional expenses incurred by the host as a result of the employee's stay. However, the agency may issue regulations providing that, when it is known in advance that employees will lodge with friends or relatives, it may determine that the lodgings-plus system is inappropriate and establish specific per diem rates under the Federal Travel Regulations.