Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act

Sponsor: Adriano Espaillat (Democratic-NY)January 15, 2025

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.

Lets disaster survivors without formal deeds prove home ownership for aid.

This bill would make it easier for families hit by major disasters to get housing aid. It would let people prove they own their home even without a formal deed, using many types of evidence. It also expands aid to homes that are damaged, not just completely destroyed.

What Would Change

Today, proving home ownership for disaster aid often requires formal documents, and assistance is mainly for homes made completely unlivable. This bill would let people use many types of evidence, including a signed statement, to show they own their home, and would make aid available for homes that are simply damaged by a disaster.

Key Provisions

Lets disaster survivors prove home ownership with many types of evidence, even without a formal deed.
Allows FEMA to accept a signed statement under oath if other ownership proof is not enough, without needing a notary.
Expands housing assistance to homes that are damaged by a major disaster, not just those made completely unlivable.
Lets the President offer certain housing aid if it saves money compared to other temporary housing options.
Defines "constructive ownership" as an owner-occupied residence, as determined by FEMA.

View on Congress.gov

HR 426 · 119th Congress · January 15, 2025 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 8/10

Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity