AUSTIN, Texas — Hurricane Harvey survivors who are currently living in temporary housing units (THUs) provided by FEMA and the Texas General Land Office, and who wish to remain in their units past Feb. 25, 2019, will be required to begin paying rent after that date. Households that cannot afford Fair Market Rent, however, may have their rate reduced as low as $50 per month.
FEMA uses U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines to determine a homeowner’s eligibility for reduced rent. HUD defines low-income families as those with incomes not exceeding 80 percent of the median family income for the area.
When FEMA approves a reduction, the rent amount is based on the THU occupant’s financial ability to pay. Several factors are used to calculate rental requirements for those seeking a reduced rate, such as the household size, housing expenses and adjusted income for all adult occupants.
FEMA uses a streamlined process for the rental rate-appeal process, allowing THU occupants to submit self-certified pre-disaster documentation. Pre-disaster income and housing cost information is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Occupants must continue to make progress on their permanent housing plan to remain eligible for the temporary housing program, including during the extension period when rental payments are required.
THU occupants can get more information, be connected with a FEMA caseworker and submit their information by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
For additional information on Hurricane Harvey and Texas recovery, visit the Hurricane Harvey disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4332, Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMAHarvey, the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at www.twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at www.dps.texas.gov/dem/.
