FEMA continues to house survivors of the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires through its Direct Housing Program. Beginning December 1, 2026, all applicable Direct Housing occupants will be charged 75% of the HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Maui County.

If you would like to appeal the rent increase as stated in the notification letter from FEMA, use the following tips to prepare your appeal letter.

You Have 60 Days to Send FEMA Your Appeal

• The appeal is a written request to FEMA to review your request for a rent reduction. It is also an opportunity to provide new or additional information not previously submitted that may affect FEMA’s decision.
• The most important part of the appeal process is knowing how long you have to plead your case. Count 60 calendar days from the date on FEMA’s notification letter. That’s the date to circle on your calendar to remind you it’s the last day to send FEMA your appeal. Your appeal must be postmarked no later than that date. Keep in mind that after FEMA receives your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more information.

Include Evidence to Support Your Appeal Request

• Your appeal letter is not enough to get FEMA to reconsider its decision. You’ll need evidence to support what you are claiming in your appeal. It is important to include the documents or information FEMA requests. Here’s what to include with your letter:
  • You must explain in writing why you cannot afford the stated rent and attach documents supporting your case.
  • In your appeal letter, you should detail all income and expenses for all members of your household 18 years of age and over, including your mortgage, property taxes, homeowners/renters insurance, and utilities such as electric and water.
  • Examples of acceptable documents:

• Federal W-2 forms (or current pay stubs) for all occupants over the age of 18.
• A record of a current mortgage payment or rental agreement.
• A copy of a current property tax bill or canceled check.
• A copy of current insurance policy invoice or canceled check.
• A copy of recent invoices or canceled checks for utility payments.

Can’t Write the Appeal Yourself? Have Someone to Write It for You

§  If you are the applicant but you can’t write the appeal letter yourself, have someone write it for you. It could be someone in your household, a friend or an advocate. Be sure to tell FEMA, in a signed statement, that the writer is authorized to act on your behalf.

Mail or Email Your Appeal Letter, and Don’t Forget to Sign and Date It

§  You have 60 days from the date of the rent increase notification letter to submit your appeal if you want FEMA to reconsider its decision. Sign and date your appeal. And be sure to include your nine-digit FEMA application number, your disaster number (DR-4724-HI) and documents you can show as proof.

o   Mail: FEMA Housing, PO Box 583, Kihei, HI 96753

o   Email: fema-r9-housing@fema.dhs.gov

What You Can Expect After Submitting Your Appeal Letter

• You’ve written your appeal and sent it to FEMA within 60 days of the date of the rent increase notification letter. Now what? You may receive a call or letter from FEMA asking for more information. Once you’ve sent FEMA an appeal, you can expect a decision letter within 90 days after FEMA receives it.
• While an appeal is pending, you must continue to pay the full rent amount due that month. If the appeal is approved, FEMA will refund any difference.

Other Resources

• For questions about the appeal process or required documentation, contact your Recertification Advisor
• For questions about rent payments, call FEMA Finance at 866-804-2469, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. You may also email FEMA-Finance-AccountsReceivable-Deposits@FEMA.dhs.gov.
• The County of Maui Housing Navigator Program provides personalized support and guidance. For information, call 808-865-4007, email info@mauioor.com or visit the Housing Navigator team in-person at the Lahaina Resource Center (at Lahaina Gateway), 325 Keawe Street, Suite B102.

For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov, mauirecovers.org, fema.gov/disaster/4724 and Hawaii Wildfires - YouTube.

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