Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]
Introduced
Summary
Expands disaster assistance to people who lack documented property ownership and to people experiencing homelessness. This bill would let FEMA provide financial help under section 408 of the Stafford Act to owner-occupants and others who lived on affected property without formal title and allow funds to be used to obtain title, pay for land surveys, taxes, and fees.
Show full summary
- Displaced households and people without formal leases would become eligible for Section 408 cash assistance if they occupied property in the disaster area during the incident period, including people affected by Hurricane Maria of 2017.
- Owner-occupants who lack paperwork would be able to use assistance to obtain title and cover related costs, and FEMA would consider "constructive ownership" evidence such as utility bills, driver licenses, school records, deeds, tax receipts, and medical records when proving occupancy.
- The bill would require a notarization-free self-certification form published in English and Spanish, FEMA guidance to staff, a 180-day reopen and appeal window for applicants back to January 1, 2017, and a FEMA and HUD consultation within 60 days after major disasters to set up joint temporary rental assistance.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Easier rules for repairing disaster-damaged homes
If enacted, the bill would lower the legal threshold for repair help from homes "rendered uninhabitable" to homes "damaged by a major disaster." The President could allow this assistance when it is a cost-effective alternative to other housing solutions, including temporary housing costs. The repair standard would focus on making homes habitable during longer-term recovery and coordinating with other repair or rebuilding sources. These changes would take effect upon enactment.
More FEMA help for homeowners without title
If enacted, you could be eligible for FEMA owner-occupant assistance after a major disaster even if you lack formal title to your pre-disaster home. This would apply to disasters declared under section 401 and to funds appropriated on or after enactment. FEMA would consider many kinds of proof of residence (for example, utility bills, pay stubs, IDs, school or medical records, deeds, tax receipts, wills, and other records). FEMA could also pay costs to obtain legal title, including land surveys and taxes or fees tied to getting title.
Short-term rental help after disasters
If enacted, FEMA and HUD would have to consult within 60 days after a major disaster declared on or after enactment about a joint disaster housing assistance program. The consultations would focus on temporary rental assistance for people displaced by the disaster, including those covered by the bill's expanded eligibility rules. The consultations must occur promptly after each covered declaration. Actual program design and money would depend on what FEMA and HUD decide after consulting.
Simple self certification for disaster applicants
If enacted, FEMA would create a declarative self-certification form within 30 days that applicants can use to show eligibility, and the form could not be notarized. The form would be exempt from Paperwork Reduction Act review and must be available in English and Spanish at Disaster Recovery Centers and online in English, Spanish, and other local languages. FEMA must give staff written guidance within 30 days. People who applied for this help since January 1, 2017 would get at least 180 days after notice to submit the form to reopen or appeal their case.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]
MA • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
MA • D
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
IL • D
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Amy Klobuchar
MN • D
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
NY • D
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
MD • D
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]
VT • I
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
CT • D
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
VA • D
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
CO • D
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
OR • D
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
NJ • D
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
CA • D
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov