SAIPAN – Renters in the CNMI whose homes were damaged or rendered unlivable by Super Typhoon Sinlaku may be eligible for federal disaster assistance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said in a public information sheet released for disaster declaration DR-4910.
FEMA said financial help is available for renters as well as homeowners with uninsured losses from the storm. The assistance may help cover displacement, temporary lodging, personal property loss and other disaster-caused needs.
Renters with renters insurance should file a claim first. FEMA said the insurance company will provide a decision, and the renter will need to provide that documentation to FEMA to determine eligibility for assistance.
If a rental home was damaged and is unlivable, the renter may qualify for rental funds from FEMA. The money can be used for a temporary place to live, including rent, security deposit and the cost of essential utilities such as gas, water and electric.
The initial rental assistance award is determined on a case-by-case basis and typically covers two months, FEMA said.
In addition to temporary housing, FEMA may also help renters with immediate needs such as water, food, first aid and prescriptions. Other forms of assistance may include hotel stays or other temporary lodging, repairing or replacing appliances and furnishings damaged by the storm, replacing a personal or family computer needed for school or work, replacing books or uniforms required for school or work, medical and dental expenses from disaster-caused injury or illness, repairing or replacing a vehicle damaged by the storm, and moving or storing personal property to prevent additional damage.
FEMA emphasized that rental assistance must be requested after a renter receives displacement assistance. Rental assistance is not automatic.
For more information, renters can call the local toll-free line at 671-735-1050, the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, or visit fema.gov/disaster/4910.
