Proposed Bill Would Extend FEMA Aid to Condos, Co-ops, & HOAs
Congress is currently reviewing the proposed Disaster Assistance Fairness Act, which seeks to address disparities in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recovery assistance provided after natural disasters. The bill aims to extend FEMA aid to HOAs, co-ops, and condos, offering essential support like roof repairs and debris removal, similar to what single-family homeowners currently receive. Presently, shared interest communities often do not qualify for federal disaster aid, hindering their ability to rebuild homes and communities. The bill, known as H.R. 3777, proposes amending the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act to include critical common elements of community associations under FEMA's Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households Program. Additionally, H.R. 3777 would make HOAs and cooperatives eligible for FEMA's assistance in debris removal after major disasters. The bill has garnered support from national organizations advocating for multifamily homeowners and boards. According to Thomas M. Skiba, CEO of the Community Associations Institute, this act will provide crucial access to FEMA's recovery resources, enabling condominium and cooperative buildings to be restored to habitable conditions after various natural disasters.