Housing After A Disaster
About
Housing After a Disaster
This page provides information about the legal issues a person may encounter with their housing after a disaster. Access to safe, stable housing is critical to the well-being of a community after a disaster declaration.
This information can help:
- Renters - Landlord/Tenant & Eviction Issues
- Homeowners
The legal timeline below goes over the various housing legal needs that a disaster survivor might encounter. Expand each section of the timeline to learn about the various issues a disaster survivor might face. Each issue below is included as information in the relevant tabs on this page.
Housing Legal Needs After a Disaster
These are some of the issues that disaster survivors might face related to housing in the short term - 1 to 6 weeks after a disaster event:
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Proving home ownership by title
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Paying for a Mortgage and Loan Payment Forbearance
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Contacting utility companies to stop or hold services
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Paying rent for a damaged or destroyed home
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Landlords' obligation to repair rental property
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Mold growth and clean up
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Hiring contractors after a disaster
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Apply for FEMA Housing Assistance
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Apply for SBA Loan Assistance
These are some of the issues that disaster survivors might face related to housing in the medium term - 1 to 6 months after the disaster event:
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Making repairs to home property
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Telling the landlord about damages and asking the landlord to make repairs
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Dealing with repairs and contractors
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Dealing with a landlord’s refusal to make repairs to damaged or destroyed property
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Requesting a security deposit back for a damaged or destroyed home
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Renter displacement
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Contacting utility companies
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Mortgage loan obligations and mortgage hardship
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Determining Any Applicable Foreclosure Moratoriums
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Working with contractors and repair services
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Receiving Payment Under Homeowners and Flood Insurance with mortgages
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Avoiding Fraudulent Contractors
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Avoiding foreclosure
These are some of the issues that disaster survivors might face related to housing in the long-term - 6 months to years after a disaster event:
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Protecting yourself from mortgage scams including repayment and modification scams
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Avoiding disaster fraud
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Looking out for municipal code issues
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Keeping records of property including lease documents and home inventory
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Check for Homeowner's Insurance Coverage
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Get Flood Insurance
Renters
Landlord/Tenant & Eviction Issues
- What Can Renters Do After A Disaster
Renters must consider and be aware of an array of legal issues and problems after a disaster. Disaster survivors may return home to damaged or destroyed property after a disaster.
Necessary Repairs. A landlord must keep a home in good repair and make sure that it is habitable - safe and clean. Renters must communicate with their landlords. Renters should tell landlords about any home that needs repairs. Renters must allow the landlord a reasonable time to make the repair.
Totally Destroyed Property. When the tenant returns to a destroyed home after a disaster they may have other rights to end their lease. A tenant must communicate with a landlord.
Eviction or property abandonment. Renters must be aware of the risk of eviction due to a disaster event. Renters who evacuate during a disaster should tell their landlord. Renters who leave and do not return for some time can risk abandoning the property.
Learn more about landlord/tenant and eviction issues by checking out the resources:
Homeowners
For Homeowners After A Disaster
- What Homeowners Can Do About Disasters
Homeowners can deal with an array of legal issues and problems after a disaster. Homeowners may return following a disaster event to a damaged or destroyed home. Access to safe and stable housing is a priority following a disaster event.
Homeowners may need help with making insurance claims. They may also need to follow up to get more funds from FEMA or the Small Business Administration (SBA). A homeowner might also need help with their mortgage after a disaster. A homeowner can find help with their mortgage payments when they are in an area affected by a disaster.
Learn more by checking out the resources: