FAQ: Rent Increase for Maui Wildfire Survivors Living in FEMA Temporary Housing Units

Survivors currently residing in FEMA-provided temporary housing units will receive a 45-day notice regarding a second rent increase, as part of the approved extension of assistance through February 28, 2027. Rental amounts are based on the number of bedrooms and the HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Maui County. To encourage progress toward permanent housing, FEMA will gradually increase rent requirements during this extension period.

Beginning September 1, 2026, FEMA will charge all Direct Housing occupants fifty percent (50%) of the HUD FMR for Maui County.

Since the disaster, FEMA has provided temporary housing units for 1,281 displaced families on Maui, and with support from state and local partners, more than half of these families have transitioned to permanent homes.

FEMA Recertification teams continue to meet regularly with occupants to support the consistent effort it takes to get back into permanent housing. The teams routinely guide occupants to available resources and advise them on program requirements and deadlines.

Q&A: Changes to Rental Payment

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

A. As of September 1, 2026, all Direct Housing households will be charged 50% of the U.S. Department of 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 may submit an appeal or move out of the FEMA unit by August 31, 2026. Households awaiting a final decision on their rental rate are required to pay the full rent amount until an appeal decision is made. Once the decision is made, FEMA will refund the difference if applicable.

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 September 1, 2026, Direct Housing participants will be charged 50% of these rates.

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

A. Yes. The rent will continue to increase during the extension period. Prior to any additional increase, FEMA will notify the household 30-45 days before the new rental amount takes effect.

Q&A: Rental Payment Process

Q. How do participants receive their rent statement?

A. Households 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. Late rent payments may result in penalty fees and loss of housing eligibility.

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 six 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 45-day notification letter will include information on how to appeal and request a lower rental amount. Submitting an appeal does not guarantee it will be granted.

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

A. Households have 60 days from the date of the 45-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 September 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 September 1, 2026?

A. Households awaiting a final decision on their rental rate are required to pay the full rent amount until an appeal decision is made. Once the decision is made, FEMA will refund the difference if applicable.

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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