Dealing with a disaster?
Help is here.
Disaster recovery for homeowners and renters
When a disaster damages your home, you’ll want to start the recovery process right away. Whether you own your home or rent, help is available when hardship strikes.
Talk to a housing counselor
Talk to a housing counselor
Whether you own or rent, housing counselors are trained to help you after a disaster. They’ll listen, answer your questions, and guide you through the steps to recover — at no cost to you.
Call 855-HERE2HELP
Speak with a free HUD-approved housing counselor who can help you understand your options.
How a housing counselor can help
Housing counselors offer free assistance to help you manage insurance claims, mortgage relief, and long-term recovery planning.
5 questions to ask a housing counselor
Prepare for your appointment by asking key questions about your housing situation, available aid, and next steps after a disaster.
Help for homeowners
Help for homeowners
Talk to a housing counselor
Housing counselors are trained to help you after a disaster. They’ll listen, answer your questions, and guide you through the steps to recover — at no cost to you.
Learn more about working with a housing counselor
See how an expert, HUD-approved counselor can help you in uncertain times.
Talk to your insurance company
Reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible. Some policies have deadlines for filing claims after a disaster.
Get help working with insurance after a disaster
Learn how to file a claim, understand your coverage, and follow up with your insurer to get the support you need.
Call your mortgage servicer
Your mortgage servicer may offer help after a disaster. They’re the company you send your monthly payment to. Their name is on your mortgage statement — usually in the top-left corner.
Tips for talking to your mortgage servicer
Get ready to talk with your mortgage servicer. Review these tips to help you ask the right questions.
Options to stay in your home
If the disaster caused financial hardship, you may qualify for help like forbearance, loan modification, or payment deferral — options that can pause or adjust your mortgage and help you avoid foreclosure.
Help for renters
Help for renters
Talk to a housing counselor
Housing counselors are trained to help you after a disaster. They’ll listen, answer your questions, and guide you through the steps to recover — at no cost to you.
Learn more about working with a housing counselor
See how an expert, HUD-approved counselor can help you in uncertain times.
Talk to your insurance company
If you have renters insurance, reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible. Some policies have deadlines for filing claims after a disaster.
Get help working with insurance after a disaster
Learn how to file a claim, understand your coverage, and follow up with your insurer to get the support you need.
Review your lease
Your lease may include information and policies about what happens after a disaster. Check it to understand your responsibilities and how to work with your landlord.
Understand your rights
As a renter, you may have legal protections in place. Learn what your rights are before making decisions about your housing.
Talk to your landlord
Your landlord may be able to help after a disaster. Depending on your situation, they might offer flexibility or support while you recover.
Tips for talking to your landlord
Review these tips to help you speak confidently to your landlord and ask for the support you need.
Help may be available to avoid foreclosure
If a disaster has caused financial hardship, you may qualify for assistance like forbearance, loan modification, or payment deferral — options that can pause or adjust your mortgage to help you stay in your home.
Frequently asked questions
There are many common questions about what to do after disasters. We’re here to help.
Find financial assistance
If you’ve been affected by a disaster, you may qualify for help from FEMA or other local programs. Explore financial and housing support options to see what’s available for your recovery.
More resources for recovery
Use our checklists and tools to learn what to do, how to get organized, and how to make smart choices after a disaster.
What should homeowners do after a disaster?
Keep this checklist handy so you know what to do and who to call.
What should renters do after a disaster?
Follow these steps to protect yourself after a disaster impacts where you live.
Find out who owns your loan
Homeowners may be eligible for certain Fannie Mae-only mortgage relief options. Use our lookup tool to find out.
