Upcoming Rent Increase for Maui Wildfire Survivors in FEMA Housing

Following the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires, FEMA provided temporary housing units to 1,281 displaced families. With support from state and local partners, more than two-thirds of these families have transitioned to permanent housing.

For households still living in FEMA temporary housing units, assistance was extended through February 28, 2027. During this extension period, FEMA is gradually increasing rent requirements to help Direct Housing occupants prepare for market rental rates, support continued progress toward permanent housing, and move FEMA's temporary housing mission toward closure, having provided three and a half years of temporary housing assistance to Maui survivors.

Beginning December 1, 2026, FEMA will increase rent for all applicable Direct Housing occupants to 75% of the FY2027 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Fair Market Rent, or HUD FMR, for Maui County. FEMA uses the HUD FMR for Maui County to determine monthly rent amounts. Rent is based on the number of bedrooms in each temporary housing unit.

FEMA will notify households 60 days before the December 1, 2026 rent increase takes effect. If a household does not wish to pay the new rent amount, they must vacate their FEMA unit by the end of the previous month. For example, to avoid the 75% rate beginning December 1, 2026, a household must move out by November 30, 2026.

Households receive a rent statement each month at their mailing address and may also access billing information online through their FEMA account. Rent can be paid by phone or electronically. Payments are due within 30 days from the first day of each month.

If a household secures permanent housing or chooses to leave its FEMA unit for any reason, the household should notify its Recertification Advisor. Monthly rent is not prorated. If a household moves out during the month, that household remains responsible for the full rent amount for that month.

The rent increase notification letter will include instructions for submitting an appeal. Households have 60 days from the date of the rent increase notification letter to submit an appeal and are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Appeals must include a written explanation and supporting documents, such as pay stubs, mortgage or rental agreements, property tax bills, insurance invoices, and utility bills.

While an appeal is pending, households must continue to pay the full rent amount due that month. If the appeal is approved, FEMA will refund any difference. For questions about the appeal process or required documentation, households should contact their Recertification Advisor.

For questions about rent payments, households can call FEMA Finance at 866-804-2469, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Eastern Time is six hours ahead of Hawaiʻi time until November 1, 2026, when it will be five hours ahead. Households may also email [email protected].

FEMA remains committed to supporting Maui wildfire survivors as they work toward permanent housing. Recertification teams continue to meet regularly with residents, provide guidance, and connect them with available resources. As rental rates increase, households are encouraged to stay informed, communicate promptly with FEMA, maintain required documentation, and continue taking steps toward securing permanent housing.

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