Q: How do we know we can trust Aloha Housing Help?
A: Our standards of professionalism are the highest in the business. We know what you are going through from personal experience and we respond to every request with care and compassion.
Q: How many homes are going to be needed by disaster survivors?
A: It depends upon the particular disaster. In the case of the Lahaina, Maui fires, with 10,000 survivors displaced, they were looking for 3000 units.
Q: What types of units is FEMA looking for?
A: Single Family and townhomes as well as apartment buildings. FEMA focuses first on Single Family and Townhomes, but also offers programs to rehab multifamily structures to make them available to disaster survivors.
Q: How do I make sure my home or unit is qualified for the program?
A: FEMA inspects homes prior to occupancy by survivors. They ensure that everything is in good working order, there is a fire extinguisher near the kitchen, smoke alarms are installed and that the home is clean and free of infestation.
Q: How long is the term of the FEMA lease?
A: Typically FEMA seeks 18-24 month leases with options to renew.
Q: Is this only for Short Term, Vacation Rental type properties or can Long Term owners also take part?
A: It is open to all property owners and property managers.
Q: Can local property managers work with FEMA?
A: Yes, by partnering with federally registered and active property managers, such as Aloha Housing Help. This allows you to maintain existing tenant relationships while minimizing business disruption and ensuring the livelihood of your businesses.
Q: Are Bed and Breakfast units within a single family home eligible?
A: No, they are not, but the entire home itself is eligible. It needs to be a separate and complete living space to be eligible.
Q: Do units have to be ADA compliant? What about ramps and grab bars in showers?
A: Units do not need to be ADA compliant, but if FEMA seeks to place a tenant with those needs, FEMA first asks permission from the owner and then pays for the modifications to the structure.
Q: Are there specific rates we will be paid for a 1 BR, 2BR, 3BR, etc. home?
A: Each property is looked at individually and rates will vary based on whether it’s furnished, fees, taxes and Aloha Housing Help provides a fair rate for each unit.
Q: How does Aloha Housing Help work with me to manage my rental?
A: We communicate directly with owners and local property managers to address the specific needs of each property.
Q: How is maintenance handled?
A: Aloha housing Help coordinates with the homeowner or property manager, the tenant and FEMA to provide necessary maintenance to your property.
Q: Does Aloha Housing Help have people locally in my area?
A: Upon being awarded a contract by FEMA we are required to have people on site even though we’re not based in your area. We will also be looking to hire locally for boots on the ground.
Q: When do we get paid if we work with AHH and FEMA?
A: Aloha Housing Help coordinates with FEMA to ensure payment is made on time on a case by case basis for every item needed for every unit.
Q: Does FEMA do background checks?
A: Yes, FEMA does criminal record checks, but no financial history checks because FEMA is fully financially responsible for all expenses associated with your property.
Q: Are pets allowed in FEMA leases?
A: That is up to the homeowner, although pet friendly units are more highly sought after.
Q: How are HOA guidelines handled?
A: Owners or local property managers provide Aloha Housing Help their guidelines and we communicate those to the tenant.
Q: How are fees such as HOA, Utilities and Taxes addresses?
A: Those fees are separate from the rental rate and will be addressed in your rental agreement. FEMA is fully responsible for all of the fees associated with your property.
Q: How are damages done by bad tenants handled?
A: FEMA will restore your unit with no monetary cap on damages done by bad tenants.
Q: How are violations of HOA policies handled? Who pays?
A: Aloha Housing Help coordinates with FEMA to pay those violation fines. They are not paid by owners, FEMA pays them. FEMA will also assess violation fees to tenants who violate HOA, maintenance and contractual obligations.
Q: What happens if an unwanted tenant doesn’t want to leave after Direct Lease is over?
A: Almost all of them do, but in the rare circumstance that they don’t, FEMA handles the eviction directly.
Q: What happens if relatives come to my unit and want to start living there as well?
A: There are limitations in the agreement that owners sign with FEMA.
Q: How does FEMA handle violations of policies, agreements and laws?
A: It varies by the particular violation. Breaking the law is not tolerated. Smaller violations such as not mowing the lawn can lead to fees assessed by FEMA to the tenant.
Q: What if the tenant finds a permanent housing solution somewhere else during the lease with FEMA?
A: FEMA will seek to place a new tenant in your unit and you will continue to be paid on schedule.
Q: How will the condition of my property be monitored? How do I know my property is being maintained properly by the tenant?
A: FEMA case workers come once per month to each property.