Participation in FEMA Housing Funds

Direct Lease and Multifamily Lease and Repair

Direct Lease is a form of assistance 

where FEMA leases existing residential properties for eligible applicants to use as temporary housing.
Multifamily Lease and Repair is a form of assistance in which FEMA makes repairs or improvements to existing, vacant multi-family housing units (e.g., apartments) to temporarily house eligible applicants.

FEMA Direct Housing: Direct Lease

FEMA enters into an agreement with property management companies that have existing ready-for-occupancy residential property leased for eligible applicants for use as temporary housing.

• Direct Lease property types can include single-family homes, multifamily homes, corporate apartments, condominiums, and townhomes.
• Properties must adhere to all local, territory and federal codes/standards.
• Property management companies must be willing to act on behalf of the government with property owners or their agents in all aspects of the lease, including but not limited to, inspecting properties, managing tenant concerns, ensuring regular building/unit maintenance occurs, and executing lease terminations and evictions.
• All essential utilities, appliances, and other furnishings must be functional, and available units must contain a separate bathroom, kitchen, and living space.
• All properties should be located within reasonable commuting distance to community and wraparound services, schools, fire and emergency services, grocery stores, etc.
• FEMA will enter into a lease agreement with the property management company and pay rent for FEMA eligible applicants based on Fair Market Rent (FMR) rates identified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for that area.
• All property management companies must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) before award.

Interested property management companies are advised of the following terms and conditions that will apply to any agreement between FEMA and owners of properties selected for Direct Lease.

• A provision granting FEMA exclusive use of the units and sole discretion to identify and select occupants during the term of lease agreement.
• A provision granting FEMA the option to extend the lease if FEMA extends the period of assistance beyond 18 months
• A provision granting FEMA the option of releasing the unit to the owner and ceasing all monthly payments for the unit at any time by providing 30 days notice.
• A provision allowing FEMA to make, at FEMA’s expense, reasonable modifications, or improvements to the property to provide a reasonable accommodation for an eligible applicant with a disability or other access and functional needs.
• The property management company will provide payment to the property owner

FEMA Direct Housing: Multifamily Lease and Repair

FEMA enters into lease agreements with owners of multifamily rental property located within or near designated areas to make repairs or improvements then provide the units to temporarily house applicants.

• The property must have been previously used as multifamily housing.
• The property must contain two or more dwelling units exclusively for FEMA’s use; capable of being repaired within 120 days.
• Each unit must contain a separate bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and living space.
• All properties should be located within reasonable commuting distance to community and wraparound services, such as accessible public transportation, schools, fire and emergency services, grocery stores, etc.
• The vacant units on the property that are identified for Multifamily Lease and Repair (MLR) must be available to be leased to FEMA for eligible applicants for no less than 18 months with the possibility of a contract extension.
• A provision incorporating a lease addendum containing FEMA’s conditions of eligibility and termination of tenancy and eviction into any lease between the property owner and the occupant.
• A provision agreeing to waive credit screening for eligible applicants.
• Property owners must be current and in good standing with property mortgage payments and ensure mortgage standing verification is provided as well as proof of ownership.
• Property owners must provide all property management services including building maintenance.
• All owners must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) before award.

For more information contact - info@aawnc.org