Landlord Notification Starts For Hurricane Evacuees
Release Date: September 18, 2006
Release Number: 1606-250
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AUSTIN, Texas -- Thousands of hurricane evacuee households in Houston and other parts of the state still have not completed paperwork requirements to continue receiving rental assistance benefits from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) beyond Oct. 31.
Due to the lead time required for notification to landlords, FEMA and its payment agent, Corporate Lodging Consultants, will be sending letters this week to apartment managers with the names of households whose rental benefits expire at the end of October. These households can still send paperwork to FEMA, but waiting until the end of October could result in a lapse of payments and issues with property owners and managers.
Recertification, as the process is known, is required every three months following a disaster declaration for registrants in FEMA's Individuals and Households Program under Section 408 of the Stafford Act.
Many households have had their rent paid through various emergency sheltering programs, such as the Houston Housing Authority. These households have a one-time recertification due in October.
Households uncertain as to what to do to recertify should contact FEMA's helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Those unable to continue in FEMA's rental assistance program may contact community organizations and other government agencies for assistance with specific needs. The state's information and referral number, 2-1-1, may assist in providing access to those services. Hurricane survivors should identify themselves as evacuees to the operators.
