FEMA’s Direct Housing Termination of Assistance Process

FEMA News Release #FS-065, April 6, 2026

FEMA follows a specific process prior to termination of Direct Temporary Housing Assistance when occupants fail to comply with the terms and conditions of FEMA’s Temporary Housing Agreements. 

As part of the requirements of the Housing Agreement, occupants are required to pay monthly rent to FEMA, regularly update FEMA on their progress toward securing permanent housing and continue to meet all eligibility criteria to remain in the unit.

FEMA may terminate occupancy of a Direct Housing unit if an occupant does not meet these requirements.

Following the extension of FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, the minimum rental amount for Direct Housing participants was increased to 25% of the HUD Fair Market Rent for Maui County, effective March 1, 2026. During this extension period, households in Direct Housing may continue to see increases in the rental rate. Occupants must make on-time monthly rent payments to remain eligible for FEMA temporary housing. Failure to pay rent on time may result in the termination of housing assistance.

If an occupant fails to meet the requirement FEMA typically issues a 15-Day Warning Notice of Violation. This notice allows occupants 15 days to correct the violation and regain compliance. In the case of a major violation, a 15-day warning is not provided and the occupant is immediately given a Notice of Termination. FEMA will notify Direct Housing occupants of general conduct or eligibility violations before terminating use of the unit. Occupants may have the opportunity to correct violations and remain in the program.

Below describes the termination of assistance process:

15-day warning notice of violation for occupants who commit general conduct or program eligibility violations: FEMA will provide occupants a notice that describes violations they must correct within 15 days to remain in the program. Notices are delivered in-person or through certified mail.
Notice of Termination: After the warning, FEMA issues a notice that terminates the eligibility for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance for occupants who did not correct violations. Notices are delivered in-person or through certified mail and include information about:

• Date they must leave the unit
• Penalty fees (may be referred to the U.S. Treasury for collection)
• Reasons for losing their Direct Housing eligibility
• How to appeal

Notice of Surrender: Lastly, occupants receive a notice to leave the Direct Housing unit if they remain past the day they were supposed to vacate.

Three types of violations can refer occupants to the termination of assistance process. Below describes these violations with examples:

General conduct violations may include but are not limited to:

• Excessive noise
• Disturbing the peace
• Unleashed or unattended pets
• Damage beyond normal wear and tear
• Not cleaning the inside and outside of the unit
• Not abiding by the rules and conditions of the Kilohana Group Site
• Not abiding by the rules and conditions of the Direct Lease Property
• Allowing occupants not listed on the lease agreement to reside in the unit 

Program eligibility violations may include but are not limited to:

• Not submitting your rent payment to FEMA
• Not being regularly available to meet with FEMA
• Not contacting your FEMA Recertification Advisor
• Not contacting the Property Management Company (PMC) for maintenance issues
• Not progressing toward permanent housing plans in a reasonable timeframe
• Not providing documentation of progress toward a permanent housing plan

Occupants who commit major violations may receive less than a 15-day warning.

Examples include but are not limited to:

• Criminal activity in violation of federal, state, or county law
• Activities that create serious health and safety risks
• Threats to FEMA staff 

Currently, 555 households remain in FEMA Direct Housing. FEMA continues to support eligible occupants in their continued need for temporary units while they work toward permanent housing.

Direct Housing occupants who have questions about the revocation process or other issues should call their FEMA recertification advisor. 

###