Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Reintroduces Federal Disaster Housing Stability Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) reintroduced the Federal Disaster Housing Stability Act, legislation designed to protect renters and homeowners from displacement in the wake of federally declared disasters.

Originally introduced in the 118th Congress, the bill provides critical housing protections for families experiencing economic hardship due to natural disasters, including a 120-day moratorium on evictions and a six-month moratorium on mortgage foreclosures during a national disaster.

"Floridians and Americans across the country are seeing the devastating impacts of natural disasters escalate year after year," said Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). "Whether it's floods, hurricanes, or wildfires, families deserve time and stability to recover, without the added fear of losing their homes. This bill is a lifeline to ensure disaster doesn't become displacement."

"Currently, our country's lowest-income communities are facing a severe shortage of affordable and accessible housing. When a disaster damages or destroys available homes, the shortage of housing stock can drive an increase in housing costs, leading to rising eviction, displacement, and, in worst cases, homelessness," said Renee Willis, President and CEO, National Low Income Housing Coalition. "By enacting Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick's 'Federal Disaster Housing Stability Act,' Congress can implement crucial measures that prevent landlords from displacing families affected by disasters or imposing excessive rent increases on low-income and marginalized households during their time of need."

"When natural disasters strike, they displace people from their homes, their jobs, and their communities, creating significant financial challenges. Yet homeowners and renters do not automatically receive protections from foreclosure and eviction in the immediate aftermath," said Alys Cohen, Director of Federal Housing Advocacy at the National Consumer Law Center. "The Federal Disaster Housing Stability Act will protect disaster survivors from displacement and home loss and help keep neighborhoods intact."

Federal Disaster Housing Stability Act Summary:

• The Federal Disaster Housing Stability Act seeks to prevent evictions and foreclosures for individuals and families facing economic hardship during a national disaster.
• The bill provides a 120-day moratorium on evictions for nonpayment of rent or other fees during a national disaster.
• The bill includes a foreclosure moratorium that would prevent foreclosures on mortgages for six months once the moratorium is declared.

"As we prepare for what experts say will be another severe hurricane season, this legislation is urgently needed," said Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). "I urge my colleagues to support this common-sense measure to protect vulnerable families before the next disaster strikes."