You’ve Been Approved for a Temporary Housing Unit on Your Property. Now What

FEMA is processing applications and identifying eligible survivors for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance which can include a Transportable Housing Unit (TTHU) such as a Travel Trailer (TT) or Manufactured Housing Unit (MHU).

FEMA is processing applications and identifying eligible survivors for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance which can include a Transportable Housing Unit (TTHU) such as a Travel Trailer (TT) or Manufactured Housing Unit (MHU).

Next Steps in the Housing Process

A temporary housing unit, like a manufactured home or a TT, is a last resort for disaster survivors who have no other options. FEMA is ordering units, inspecting local sites for suitability, delivering units to the sites, ensuring quality control, verifying utilities are operable, identifying eligible applicants and processing applications.

Once you are approved for a temporary housing unit, FEMA will order a site inspection for your property that the unit is to be placed. You must be present for the inspection. If the site is feasible, FEMA will order a unit to be delivered.

You are responsible for clearing debris from the location where the FEMA unit will be installed. Upon request, the FEMA contractor can provide limited assistance with debris removal, including clearing vegetation, trimming trees, and removing fencing. All other debris clearance must be completed by the property owner; however, if assistance is needed, you should speak with your caseworker to determine if a local nonprofit organization may be able to provide further assistance with debris clearance and removal.

When the FEMA representative tells you that your site is feasible, you should contact your electric utility provider and arrange for a second service and meter. The FEMA contractor will arrange for permits, but you must arrange for electric service. The FEMA contractor will also advise you when to have the meter installed and the power turned on. If you experience any delays or setbacks with the requirement, you should contact FEMA to discuss possible solutions. In some circumstances, you will need to sign local applications or permits.

After the unit is ordered, delays may result for several reasons:

• Power hookup: After you contact your electric provider and the meter is installed, the county or city will inspect the installation and notify the utility company that power may be turned on. Delays in any of these steps can delay occupancy.
• Damage or defects: If defects are discovered in the air-conditioner, water, lighting, toilets or other parts of the unit, FEMA must repair them before turning over the keys.
• Right-of-entry: If utility lines that serve a unit cross a neighboring property, FEMA must obtain right of entry from the property owner(s). This can delay occupancy, depending on how long it takes to obtain permission.
• Underground utility location: The FEMA contractor must arrange for all underground utility lines to be located and marked prior to trenching of installation of the unit or anchoring the unit.

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.