The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has made their guidelines a little more clear for renters who may be looking for assistance in Hurricane Ida’s wake, clarifying the options available for those who may not own their home.
People with renter's insurance, however, are recommended to file their claim with their provider and then start their FEMA application. The application for both insured and uninsured is available at DisasterAssistance.gov and by telephone at 1-800-621-3362, teletypewriter at 1-800-462-7585.
The following are parishes that are eligible to submit an application for a FEMA grant: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana.
Here are some highlights for renters:
No need to pay it back
FEMA grants do not have interest. There is not even a need to pay them back at any point at all. It is money that the government gives to you. But there is a chance you'll need to pay it back if they believe you misused the grant.
Rent and utilities
Grants do cover rent and utilities (gas and water) for renters while repairs are made to your home or until it's inhabitable. Utilities do not include cable and internet, however.
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Personal property
FEMA will make grants available for "necessary expenses" due to personal property damage if you're uninsured and underinsured (again, make your claim first before you apply to a FEMA grant).
FEMA defines "necessary expenses" of personal property as, "furniture, appliances, clothing, textbooks or school supplies; replacement or repair of tools and other job-related equipment; vehicle repair; and medical/dental bills."
Hotel/motel stays
Uninsured people can use FEMA grants to pay for hotel and motel stays both proactively and retroactively—if you paid out of pocket. Retroactively, they may be able to pay you for room costs and taxes.
The amount they'll pay you proactively for hotel/motel stays is according to their Fair Market Rent calculations.
For example, the greater New Orleans metro area (Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, Tammany) has a 2021 one-bedroom value of $899 per month.
TSA
Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) is temporary short-term lodging at participating hotels and motels, paid directly by FEMA. But you can't request it; FEMA will come to you.