FEMA Seeking Properties To Lease For Flood Victims

In their quest to find lodging for those who have been displaced due to the recent flood, FEMA is now looking for owners or property-management companies that would be interested in leasing their properties directly to FEMA. The federal agency is looking for existing, ready-to-occupy residential properties for flood survivors whose temporary housing needs cannot be met with other forms of assistance. FEMA will pay the property management company/vendor the cost of rent, while the survivor is responsible for utility costs and other expenses not covered in the lease. FEMA is seeking properties in several disaster affected counties including Cocke, Greene and Hamblen.

Flood survivors can be sheltered in FEMA Direct Housing properties for up to 18 months, until April 2026, with the possibility of extension. FEMA will cover the security deposit and inspect the home before a tenant moves in and after they move out.The deadline to request information about the FEMA Direct Lease program is November 25.

FEMA will present an informational session on Zoom at 2pm on Wednesday November 13 for those interested. The session will explain two FEMA programs: Direct Lease, for ready-to-occupy units; and Multifamily Lease and Repair, in which FEMA will cover minor repairs or improvements to multifamily properties to make them ready for housing Helene survivors. Below is the link to register for the Zoom informational session.

https://fema.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_79grAPHqSg2cbbLGcYwYxA#/registration