FEMA Rental Assistance Available to Homeowners and Renters

FEMA Rental Assistance is available to eligible Tennessee renters and homeowners who cannot live in their homes because of damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene. If you continue to need Rental Assistance beyond the amount in your initial award, you may request Continued Temporary Housing Assistance.

What Is Rental Assistance?

FEMA Rental Assistance is a temporary grant for survivors to pay for somewhere to live while they repair or rebuild their home. You can use this money to rent a place to live such as a house, apartment, hotel room, recreational vehicle or other options while your home is repaired, or while you look for a new place to live.

What Does Rental Assistance Cover?

• Rental Assistance covers temporary housing while you are unable to live in your permanent residence.
• Rental Assistance can be used for rent, security deposits and the cost of essential utilities (gas, water and electric).
• Rental Assistance can be used for short-term hotel stays while you look for a place to rent.
• Rental Assistance does not cover cable or internet service.

How Long Does Rental Assistance Support Me?

The initial Rental Assistance grant is decided on a case-by-case basis and covers one to two months.

If you receive initial Rental Assistance, you will be sent an application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance, which may be granted for three-month periods.

What if I have Insurance?

File a claim as soon as possible. Your insurance may have benefits for temporary housing. Your insurance company will give you a claim settlement, proof of exhaustion or denial document that includes Additional Living Expenses. You'll need to provide this documentation from the insurance company to FEMA to determine your eligibility for Rental Assistance.

HOW TO submit Insurance documents:

• Bring them to a Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, go to fema.gov/drc.
• Upload to your account on DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Mail with a cover letter listing the documents enclosed. Send to: FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055.
• Fax "Attention: FEMA" to 800-827-8112, with a cover letter listing the documents enclosed.

How to Apply

Rental Assistance

To receive Rental Assistance, apply for FEMA assistance. The deadline to apply is Monday, Dec. 2.

Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service, captioned telephone or other service, you can give FEMA your number for the service. You may also visit a Disaster Recovery Center.

To watch an accessible video on how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance (youtube.com).

Continued Temporary Housing Assistance

To apply for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance, use the application that you received with your initial Rental Assistance award, or call the FEMA Helpline at800-621-3362. You will need to submit additional documentation, which will be listed on your application.

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