HERE ARE TWO FORMS OF ASSISTANCE ELIGIBLE SURVIVORS CAN USE TO MEET
POST-DISASTER HOUSING NEEDS.
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/here-are-two-forms-assistance-eligible-survivors-can-use-meet-post-disaster-housing]


Release Date: 
May 13, 2019 

LODGING EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT (LER)

	* FEMA may provide LER for applicants who incur out-of-pocket hotel
or motel expenses  because they could not stay in or reach their
primary residences.
	* Applicants must register with FEMA. 
	* Applicants must not have insurance covering the cost of temporary
housing or receive assistance for temporary lodging from any other
source.
	* Eligible lodging expenses may include the cost of the room and
taxes charged by a hotel or other lodging provider. LER does not
include costs associated with phone, laundry, internet, movies, food,
or pet charges.
	* For this disaster, applicants may be eligible for LER from March
12, 2019 through 60 days after receiving their first Rental Assistance
payment from FEMA.
	* Reimbursements for LER may take a minimum of two weeks to be
reviewed, processed, and paid. Applicants should consider the
financial impact receiving a payment two weeks after their hotel/motel
will have on their disaster recovery. 

	* To be considered for LER, applicants must submit verifiable
receipts or itemized statements, including:

	* The applicant’s or co-applicant’s name.
	* The name, address, and phone number of the accommodation.
	* Dates of occupancy.
	* The amount of expenses incurred.

 

 

 

 

-More-

 

Fact Sheet-Page 2

 

RENTAL ASSISTANCE

	* Rental Assistance is provided to pre-disaster homeowners or renters
to rent temporary housing when a survivor is displaced from their
primary residence as a result of a presidentially declared disaster.
	* Rental Assistance is intended to rent an apartment or similar
housing unit but may be used at hotels or motels when traditional
long-term rental accommodations are not available. 

	* Applicants should consider the following when using Rental
Assistance for hotel and motel stays: 

	* The initial payment for Rental Assistance is a lumpsum check for
two months of Fair Market Rent. 
	* Fair Market Rent (FMR) is established by the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development for the area where the pre-disaster
residence is located and the number of bedrooms the household
requires. 
	* Rental Assistance will cover the cost of the hotel/motel room and
room taxes. Rental Assistance does not include costs associated with
phone, laundry, internet, movies, food, or pet charges.
	* If the hotels are willing to enter into longer agreements, it is
best for survivors to get a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly rates.  
	* Applicants are responsible for negotiating long-term agreements
with hotels/motels. Agreements can be as simple as a signed letter (on
hotel letterhead) with verifiable information pertaining to address,
phone number, and rental rate.  
	* An extended hotel/motel agreement is required when requesting
additional Rental Assistance through the Continued Rental Assistance
application.

	* FEMA may provide Continued Rental Assistance to applicants who have
exhausted the Rental Assistance initially provided on rent, deposit or
background check.
	* To be eligible, applicants must submit a Continued Rental
Assistance application sent from FEMA via mail. If you received
rental assistance and have not yet received an application packet, you
may call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to have one sent.
	* The application details the documents that you must submit to be
considered for an additional three months of Rental Assistance.

	* Applicants must submit a post-disaster lease or housing agreement
demonstrating they have secured somewhere to stay temporarily. This
agreement must include:

	* The location of the unit.
	* The amount of rent (monthly rate, if possible). 
	* The duration of the lease. 
	* The number or names of occupants. 
	* Utilities, other fees, deposits, or costs for which the applicant
may be held responsible.
	* A signature of the applicant/co-applicant and the landlord or hotel
manager (an electronic signature is acceptable).