FEMA’s Direct Housing Termination of Assistance Process Update

FEMA follows a specific process prior to termination of Direct Temporary Housing Assistance when occupants fail to comply with the terms and conditions of FEMA's Temporary Housing Agreements.

As part of the requirements of the Housing Agreement, occupants are required to pay monthly rent to FEMA, regularly update FEMA on their progress toward securing permanent housing and continue to meet all eligibility criteria to remain in the unit. FEMA may terminate occupancy of a Direct Housing unit if an occupant does not meet these requirements.

If an occupant fails to meet the requirement FEMA typically issues a 15-Day Warning Notice of Violation. This notice allows occupants 15 days to correct the violation and regain compliance. In the case of a major violation, a 15-day warning is not provided and the occupant is immediately given a Notice of Termination.

Effective March 1, 2026, the minimum rent for Direct Housing participants is 25% of HUD Fair Market Rent for Maui County. Throughout the final extension period, those in Direct Housing may continue to see increases in the rental rate. On-time monthly payments are required to remain eligible for FEMA temporary housing. Late payments may result in termination of assistance.

Below describes the termination of assistance process:

1. 15-day warning notice of violation for occupants who commit general conduct or program eligibility violations: FEMA will provide occupants a notice that describes violations they must correct within 15 days to remain in the program. Notices are delivered in-person or through certified mail.
2. Notice of Termination: After the warning, FEMA issues a notice that terminates the eligibility for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance for occupants who did not correct violations. However, for applicants with three violations of the same nature, including three consecutive months of past due rent, the 15-day Warning Notice of Violation is no longer an option, and they proceed directly to a Notice of Termination. Notices are delivered in person or through certified mail and include information about the following:
   • Date they must leave the unit
   • Penalty fees (may be referred to the U.S. Treasury for collection)
   • Reasons for losing their Direct Housing eligibility
   • How to appeal
3. Notice to Surrender: Lastly, occupants receive a notice to leave the Direct Housing unit if they remain past the day they were supposed to vacate.

Three types of violations can refer occupants to the termination of assistance process.
Below describes these violations with examples:

• General conduct violations may include but are not limited to:
  • Excessive noise
  • Disturbing the peace
  • Unleashed or unattended pets
  • Damage beyond normal wear and tear
  • Not cleaning the inside and outside of the unit
  • Not abiding by the rules and conditions of the Kilohana Group Site
  • Not abiding by the rules and conditions of the Direct Lease Property
  • Allowing occupants not listed on the lease agreement to reside in the unit
    
• Program eligibility violations may include but are not limited to:
  • Not submitting your rent payment to FEMA
  • Not being regularly available to meet with FEMA
  • Not contacting your FEMA Recertification Advisor
  • Not contacting the Property Management Company (PMC) for maintenance issues
  • Not progressing toward permanent housing plans in a reasonable timeframe
  • Not providing documentation of progress toward a permanent housing plan

• Occupants who commit major violations may receive less than a 15-day warning.

  Examples include but are not limited to:

  • Criminal activity in violation of federal, state, or county law
  • Activities that create serious health and safety risks
  • Threats to FEMA staff

FEMA continues to support eligible occupants in their continued need for temporary housing as they work toward securing permanent housing.

Direct Housing occupants with questions about the termination of assistance process or other concerns should contact their FEMA Recertification Advisor for assistance.

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