Temporary Housing Options After Disaster: Guide

After a disaster, you need a safe place to stay. Here’s what you need to know:

Quick options: Hotels, short-term rentals, FEMA assistance
Costs: $40-$150 per night, insurance may help
Key steps:
1. Call your insurance company
2. Apply for FEMA aid
3. Look for local rentals

Housing Type	Best For	Cost
Hotels	Short stays	$$$
Extended stays	Weeks to months	$$
FEMA housing	Long-term needs	$ or free

"After a disaster, contact your insurer about ‘loss of use’ coverage for immediate housing funds." – Beth Dillman, Attorney

Remember:

Pack essentials only
Update your address
Keep all receipts

Need help? Call 211 for local services or text SHELTER + ZIP to 43362 for FEMA shelters.

Assessing Your Temporary Housing Needs

After a disaster hits, you need to figure out where you’ll stay. Here’s how to do it:

Checking Home Damage

First, see how bad your home got hit. This tells you how long you’ll need a temp place:

Minor damage? Maybe a few days or weeks away
Major damage? Could be months
Total loss? You might need long-term housing

Get a pro to inspect if you can. They’ll give you a clear timeline for repairs.

Guessing Your Displacement Time

How long you’ll be out depends on a few things:

Factor	How It Affects Your Time Away
Damage level	More damage = longer time out
Insurance	Good coverage = faster fixes
Contractor availability	High demand can slow things down
Local rules	Permits and inspections take time

Maya Capel, a disaster recovery expert, says: "After Hurricane Katrina, people took about 3 years to find stable housing again."

What Your Family Needs

Think about what you need in a temp home:

Space for everyone
Close to work or school
Accessible for mobility issues
OK for pets

Don’t forget about:

Medical equipment
Quiet spots for work or study
Storage for stuff you saved

FEMA and other groups can help with special needs. Just ask.

Types of Temporary Housing

After a disaster hits, you need a place to crash while your home gets fixed up. Here are your main options:

Hotels and Motels

Quick and easy for short stays. You can usually move in right away, but they’ll burn through your wallet if you stay too long.

Short-term Rentals

Think Airbnb. These feel more like home and can save you cash on longer stays.

Pros	Cons
More room to spread out	Might miss hotel perks
Cook your own meals	Booking takes more time
Often cheaper for long stays	Quality’s a mixed bag

Extended Stay Places

The middle ground between hotels and apartments. You get a kitchenette and can do laundry without leaving the building.

RVs and Mobile Homes

If you’re up for a change, RVs or mobile homes offer flexibility. Bonus: You might be able to park it on your property while repairs happen.

FEMA Housing Help

FEMA

FEMA’s got your back with a few options:

1. Manufactured Housing Units (MHUs)

These come fully furnished and can be plopped on your property or in a commercial park. You can stay for up to 18 months after the disaster’s declared.

2. Direct Lease Program

FEMA might rent out vacation homes or single-family houses for you.

3. Multi-family Lease and Repair

This program fixes up empty rental properties to house disaster survivors.

"FEMA kicks off the move-out process when you find permanent housing, your assistance runs out, or they sell or donate the unit."

To get FEMA housing:

Sign up for disaster assistance with FEMA
See if you qualify for their housing programs
Sign on the dotted line before moving in

Finding Temporary Housing

After a disaster, you need a place to stay. Here’s how to get it:

Talk to Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance agent first. Many homeowners’ policies cover living expenses when you can’t stay home.

Ask about:

"Loss of use" or "additional living expenses" coverage
Coverage limit (often 20% of dwelling coverage)
Getting an advance for immediate expenses

"Ask your insurer to send you an advance on those expenses." – Beth Dillman, Attorney, University of Idaho College of Law

Look into Government Help

FEMA offers programs for disaster survivors:

1. Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA)

Pays for hotel stays. Apply with FEMA and check eligibility. Find hotels on DisasterAssistance.gov.

2. Individuals and Households Program (IHP)

Offers:

Rental Assistance
Lodging Expense Reimbursement
Home Repair Assistance
Home Replacement Assistance

Apply for FEMA help online, call 1-800-621-3362, or visit a Disaster Recovery Center.

Use Websites for Short-term Rentals

Try Airbnb, VRBO, or Furnished Finder. Filter for long-term stays, furnished options, and flexible cancellation policies.

Work with Local Real Estate Agents

They can find unlisted short-term rentals. Ask about:

Experience with disaster-related housing
Help negotiating lease terms
Knowledge of local price gouging laws

In some states, like California, landlords can’t raise rent by more than 10% after a disaster.

When looking for temporary housing, consider:

Factor	Why It Matters
Location	Close to work, schools, and your home
Cost	Within insurance coverage or budget
Lease terms	Flexible for uncertain repair times
Furnishings	Saves buying temporary furniture
Pet-friendly	If you have pets

Choosing the Best Temporary Housing

Picking a place to stay after a disaster? Here’s what you need to know:

Location Matters

Look for housing near:

Your job
Your kids’ schools
Essential services

Why? It keeps your life as normal as possible.

Cost Comparison

Housing Type	Monthly Cost	Best For
Corporate Housing	$3,000	30+ days
Extended Stay Hotel	$3,000	1-30 days
Short-term Rental	Varies	Flexible stays

Check your insurance. "Loss of use" coverage might help with costs.

What You Need

Make a list. Think about:

Furnished rooms
Kitchen
Laundry
Wi-Fi
Parking

Staying longer? Corporate housing often feels more like home.

Got Pets?

Your options might shrink. Here’s what to do:

Ask about pet policies
Expect extra fees
Look for pet-friendly extended stays

Special Needs?

If someone has a disability:

Ask about accessibility
Check for elevators
Look at bathroom setups

Remember: Fair housing laws have your back.

How long are you staying? For a month or less, try extended stay hotels. Longer? Look at corporate housing or short-term rentals.

"Work with a good housing provider for the best experience."

Always read reviews and ask questions. It’s about finding a safe, comfy spot during a tough time.

Paying for Temporary Housing

Disaster strikes, and now you’re dealing with temporary housing costs. Let’s break it down:

Insurance Coverage for Living Expenses

Your homeowners’ policy likely includes Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage. This helps with:

Hotel stays
Rental homes
Extra food costs
Laundry expenses
Pet boarding

ALE coverage is usually 20% of your dwelling coverage. So, a $100,000 policy gives you $20,000 for temporary living.

Watch Out for Extra Costs

Insurance won’t cover everything. Be ready to pay for:

Security deposits
Utility setup fees
Moving costs
Storage fees

Create a budget for these extras. Stash some cash if you can.

Track Every Penny

Documentation is key:

Keep all receipts
Use a spreadsheet for costs
Snap photos of damaged items
Hold onto records for 3+ years

"Organized ALE documentation makes it harder for insurers to challenge your claims." – NW, 2007 Witch Creek Fire Survivor

Need More Money?

If insurance falls short, try these:

Source	Aid Type	Where to Apply
FEMA	Housing grants	DisasterAssistance.gov
SBA	Low-interest loans	SBA.gov
Red Cross	Emergency funds	RedCross.org

FEMA aid isn’t taxed and won’t affect other benefits.

For quick cash, ask your insurer about "loss of use" coverage. It can provide immediate funds for temporary housing.

Getting Ready for Temporary Housing

Time to prep for your temporary move. Here’s what you need to do:

What to Pack

Pack smart:

Clothes for 1-2 weeks (1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule)
Important docs (ID, insurance, rental agreements)
Meds and mini first-aid kit
Electronics and chargers
Toiletries
Comfort items (favorite pillow, photos)

Pro tip: Use compression bags or packing cubes to save space.

Storing Your Stuff

Can’t bring everything? Consider these options:

Storage Type	Pros	Cons
Friend’s place	Free, easy access	Limited space
Storage unit	Secure, roomy	Costs money
Mobile storage	On-site convenience	Pricier

Use stackable bins for stored items. Label by room for easy finding later.

Changing Your Mailing Address

Don’t miss mail:

File temp change with USPS
Update banks, cards, subscriptions
Set up forwarding to temp housing

Telling Schools and Work

Keep people informed:

Tell your boss
Update kids’ schools
Give temp address to doctors and services

Living in Temporary Housing

Temporary housing after a disaster isn’t easy. Here’s how to make it work:

Setting Up a Daily Routine

Create a new normal:

Set consistent sleep and wake times
Eat meals at regular hours
Schedule work or study time
Plan daily activities

Staying in Touch with Repair Services

Keep tabs on your home repairs:

Check in weekly with repair services
Ask for detailed progress reports
Organize all repair documents

Phoenix residents: Doan Restoration offers 24/7 emergency services for water and fire damage. They’ll keep you updated on your home’s restoration.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health

Displacement is stressful. Try these strategies:

Video call loved ones regularly
Join local community groups
Practice self-care
Get professional help if needed

Keeping Up with Home Repair Updates

Stay informed about your return home:

Action	Frequency	Method
Contact insurance	Weekly	Phone or email
Check with contractors	Bi-weekly	Site visit or call
Review repair timeline	Monthly	Written report

Legal Stuff to Know

Knowing your rights and duties in temporary housing after a disaster is crucial. Here’s what you need to know:

Your Rights in Temporary Housing

As a temporary resident, you’re entitled to:

Safe, livable housing
Privacy (24-hour notice before landlord entry, except emergencies)
Protection from unfair rent increases
Necessary repairs

Your specific rights may vary based on your housing type (FEMA or private rental).

Reading and Signing Agreements

Before signing any housing agreement:

Read it thoroughly
Ask about unclear terms
Look for hidden fees
Understand your responsibilities

"Your landlord must provide fit and habitable premises and make necessary repairs, regardless of what the lease says." – Dr. Ann Berry, LSU AgCenter

Handling Problems

If issues arise:

1. Talk to your landlord

2. Put complaints in writing

3. Know where to get help

Problem	Help Source
Landlord disputes	Local mediation services
Legal questions	Disaster Legal Services (DLS)
FEMA housing issues	FEMA Helpline (800-621-3362)

Keep all housing-related documents and communication records.

Need free legal help with disaster housing issues? Contact Disaster Legal Services for assistance with insurance claims, repair contracts, and landlord problems.

Moving Back Home

Ready to head back to your fixed-up place? It’s exciting, but there’s stuff to do. Here’s how to make it easier:

Planning Your Move-out

Pick a date: Talk to your contractor and insurance folks. When’s the house ready?
Tell everyone: Let utility companies and mail services know you’re heading back.
Pack smart: Start with the important stuff.

Must-Pack	Can Wait
Clothes, toothbrush, important papers	Decorations, extra books
Kitchen stuff, gadgets	Seasonal items

Working with Repair Services

Look around: Walk through your house with the contractor. Everything good?
Make a list: Spot anything that still needs fixing? Write it down.
Get papers: Ask for any documents you need, like occupancy certificates.

Checking Out of Temp Housing

Before you leave:

Clean up
Take pictures
Hand in keys and cards
Pay what you owe

"Moving back home? It’s like closing one chapter and starting a new one." – Claire, Cosy Home Blog

Don’t forget: Only go back when it’s safe. Smell gas or see damage? Get out and call the pros.

Wrap-up

Disaster strikes, and you need a place to stay. Here’s how to handle it:

Housing options:

Hotels for quick stays
Extended stays for longer periods
Airbnb for flexibility
FEMA help with costs

Money stuff:

Check insurance for "loss of use" coverage
Budget $40-$150 per night for extended stays
Keep ALL receipts

Get help:

Dial 211 for local services
Text SHELTER + ZIP to 43362 for FEMA shelters
Free advice from HUD housing pros

Smart moves:

Pack light
Stay organized with this list:

Must-Haves	Nice-to-Haves
Clothes	Books
Toiletries	Extra gadgets
Important papers	Decorations
Medications	Hobby stuff

Update your address

Temporary housing isn’t forever. Work with insurance and repair teams to get home ASAP.

"A major disaster can send many homeowners in search of temporary living quarters." – Beth Dillman, Attorney, University of Idaho College of Law

FAQs

Where do people go after a natural disaster?

After a natural disaster, people have several options:

Text SHELTER + ZIP code to 43362 for FEMA shelters
Use the FEMA app to find emergency shelters
Search online for local shelters and recovery centers
Stay at hotels or motels (insurance or FEMA might cover costs)
Look for extended stay places for longer-term needs
Crash with friends and family

"The first step is to register with FEMA." – FEMA.gov

Where do people go after a disaster?

People can access these housing options after a disaster:

1. FEMA housing programs

FEMA offers help if you need to leave your home.

2. Emergency shelters

Find them through the FEMA app or by texting SHELTER + ZIP to 43362.

3. Temporary housing units

FEMA provides these when rental assistance isn’t available.

4. Hotels

FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program might cover costs directly.

Housing Option	How to Access
FEMA Shelters	Text SHELTER + ZIP to 43362
Emergency Shelters	FEMA app or online search
FEMA Assistance	Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov
TSA Program	Register with FEMA for eligibility