FAQ: FEMA Direct Housing Extension and Rent Requirements

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved a one-year extension of its temporary housing assistance for survivors of the 2023 Maui wildfires. FEMA assistance is now extended through February 28, 2027. This extension includes updated rent requirements and conditions for continued eligibility.

Survivors participating in FEMA's Direct Housing Program have received a 30-Day notice that the FEMA program has been extended and that there will be changes to upcoming rental rates. Rent amounts are determined by the number of bedrooms and the 2026 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Fair Market Rent (HUD FMR) for Maui County.

Beginning March 1, 2026, FEMA will not charge any Direct Housing occupant less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the HUD FMR.

FEMA's goal is to support wildfire survivors in transitioning to permanent housing and to assist the Maui community on its path to recovery. FEMA's programs are temporary and designed to help households during their time of greatest need until permanent housing is secured.

Q&A: Changes to Rental Payment

Q. When are Direct Housing rental rates set to change?

A. As of March 1, 2026, all Direct Housing households are required to pay no less than 25% of the Housing and Urban Development Fair Market Rent.

Q. What should the household do if they do not wish to pay the new rent amount?

A. If the household does not wish to pay the new monthly rent, they must move out of the FEMA unit by February 28, 2026.

Q. What are the 2026 HUD Fair Market Rental Rates?

A. The HUD Fair Market Rental Rates for Maui County per number of bedrooms are listed below. Beginning March 1, 2026, the minimum rental payment for Direct Housing participants is 25% of these rates.

One-Bedroom: $2,000

Two-Bedroom: $2,624

Three-Bedroom: $3,398

Four-Bedroom: $4,236

Q. Can the rent increase again during the extension period?

A. Yes. The rent may increase during the extension period. If this occurs, FEMA will notify the household at least 30 days before the new rent amount takes effect.

Q&A: Rental Payment Process

Q. How will participants receive their rent statement?

A. Households will receive their rent statements at their current mailing address and can obtain their billing statements by signing into their FEMA account online and looking under current communications.

Q. How do participants send in their rent payment?

A. For detailed payment instructions, please refer to the "How to Pay FEMA" page on FEMA.gov: https://www.fema.gov/about/payment

Survivors in Direct Housing can pay their rent over the phone or through electronic payment methods.

Q. When is the rent payment due?

A. Rent must be paid within 30 days from the 1st of every month.

Q. What if a participant makes a payment after 30 days?

A. Payments made beyond the 1^st of each month will be considered late and will be subject to a late fee equal to the full HUD Fair Market Rent of the unit they are occupying as well as associated penalty fees related to the monthly cost for the unit i.e. Property Management Company fees, Performance Maintenance Inspection fees, furnishing fees and utilities.

If the household does not pay the HUD Fair Market Rent and all associated fees in full, they will be removed from their current unit and from FEMA's Direct Housing Program entirely.

Q. What if the survivor would like to move out of their FEMA temporary housing unit?

A. If the household has secured permanent housing or would like to leave their FEMA unit for another reason, they should notify their recertification advisor. If they vacate the unit by the end of the month, they are not responsible for the following month's rent. FEMA does not prorate monthly rent. If they move out of their FEMA unit at any point during the month, they are responsible for the full amount of the rent for that month.

Q. Who do survivors contact if they have questions on how to pay?

A. Households should call FEMA Finance at 866-804-2469, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST (EST is currently five hours ahead of Hawaiʻi time) or email [email protected]. If you use video relay service, captioned service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA with the specific number assigned for that service.

Q&A: Appealing the Rental Amount

Q. What if the household cannot afford the rental amount?

A. The 30-day notification letter included information on how to appeal and request a lower rental amount.

Q. How long do households have to submit an appeal to request a rent reduction?

A. Households have 60 days from the date they receive the 30-day notice letter informing them of the rent requirement changes to submit an appeal for a rent reduction. FEMA strongly encourages households to submit their appeal as soon as possible to allow adequate time for processing before the March 1 rent adjustment date. Delays in submitting appeal paperwork may result in a longer decision process. Households awaiting a final determination on their rental rate must continue to pay the full rent amount until a decision is reached.

Q. How do households submit an appeal to adjust their rental rate?

A. To submit an appeal, households must explain in writing why they cannot afford the stated rent and attach documents supporting their case.

In their appeal letter, households should detail their expenses, including their mortgage, property taxes, homeowners/renter's insurance, and utilities such as electric, water and gas.

Examples of acceptable documents:

• Federal W-2 forms (or current pay stubs) for all occupants over the age of 18.
• A record of a current mortgage payment or rental agreement.
• A copy of a current property tax bill or canceled check.
• A copy of current insurance policy invoice or canceled check.
• A copy of recent invoices or canceled checks for utility payment.

Without submitting relevant documentation, occupants cannot be considered for reduced rent.

Q. What happens if a household's appeal is not processed by March 1, 2026?

A. In this case, households awaiting a final decision on their rental rate would be required to pay the full amount of rent until a decision is made. Once the decision has been made FEMA would refund the difference.

Q. If households have questions about the rental requirement and the appeal process, who do they talk to?

A. Direct Housing households are encouraged to talk to their recertification advisor if they have any questions on the appeal process and what documentation is needed to be considered for rent reduction.

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FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

English is the official language of the United States of America. The original English version of this document serves as the authoritative source for this information.

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