In order to meet the demand for safe housing, we’re working with the government of Puerto Rico to make use of a unique range of housing options that best meet the needs of the residents.
Additional Options Available for Applicants to Verify Home Ownership
To address the complex nature of home ownership in Puerto Rico and support disaster survivors through the verification process, FEMA coordinated with legal aid groups to provide additional options for survivors.
The resulting "Sworn Declaration" was developed by legal aid groups, including Ayuda Legal Huracán María, Fundación Fondo de Acceso a la Justicia, and Servicios Legales de Puerto Rico, among others. The Sworn Declaration provides a survivor, previously denied financial assistance due to unverified home ownership, an additional method to verify ownership on appeal.
Free legal help is available for hurricane survivors to complete and submit the necessary proof of ownership. Survivors who need assistance with their appeal involving home ownership documentation are encouraged to contact a local legal aid organization, including those cited above.
FEMA is required to verify ownership of a pre-disaster primary residence when determining survivors’ eligibility for financial assistance to repair or replace a damaged dwelling. However, if survivors do not have traditional ownership documentation, they may submit a Sworn Declaration, including any corresponding and supplementary documents. The Sworn Declaration is specifically tailored to address unique homeownership laws in Puerto Rico, including heirship and prescription.
While submitting the Sworn Declaration will not automatically qualify a survivor for housing assistance, it is another helpful tool available for individuals seeking to verify their home ownership status.
The form may be:
- Mailed as part of an appeal to the following address:
FEMA - Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
- Uploaded to the applicant’s online FEMA account at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Delivered in person to a disaster recovery center. To find the nearest one visit www.fema.gov/drc.
- Faxed to 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA - Individuals & Households Program.
Survivors who have questions about the process should visit a disaster recovery center or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or (TTY) 800-462-7585.
Housing Programs Available
The programs available include:
Direct Lease and Multi-Family Lease & Repair (MLR)
- We are leasing two types of housing units that will be used as temporary housing for disaster survivors: single-family and multi-family units. FEMA pays the rent for these units.
- Utility costs (electricity, water, and tel.) and other expenses not covered in the lease are the responsibility of the disaster survivor.
- Property owners of the single-family homes interested in participating can e-mail FEMA-Lease-PR@fema.dhs.gov.
- Property owners of multi-family units interested in participating can e-mail FEMA-MLR-PR@fema.dhs.gov
Repair Assistance – Financial Assistance to Disaster Survivors
Financial grant to help make minimal repairs to a primary residence, utilities and residential structure, including privately-owned access routes (driveways, roads, or bridges) to a safe and functioning condition. We may provide financial assistance for the repair of real property components, including, but not limited to:
- Structural components of a home (foundation, exterior walls, roof)
- Windows, doors, floors, walls, ceilings, and cabinetry
- Access and egress, including privately-owned roads and privately-owned bridges
- Blocking, leveling, and anchoring of a mobile home, and reconnecting or resetting its sewer, water, electrical, oil, trash, and fuel lines and tanks
- Utility systems, including electrical, gas, water, trash, oil, and septic/sewage systems
- Items or services determined to be eligible hazard mitigation measures that reduce the likelihood of future damage to the residence, utilities, or infrastructure
Tu Hogar Renace (Your Home Reborn) – Direct Assistance to Disaster Survivors
The government of Puerto Rico is leading an effort to allow property owners to remain in their homes while repairs are being made. Under the program, a homeowner’s primary residence may be eligible for necessary repairs to return the home to safe, habitable, and functional conditions. For the first time under this program, we will consider provision of a generator where needed.
Repairs include:
- Repairs to keep roofs from leaking.
- Replacing damaged windows and doors necessary to make a home safe and secure.
- Repairs to damaged walls, and water heaters.