Following the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires, FEMA provided temporary housing units to 1,281 displaced families. With support from state and local partners, more than half of these families have successfully transitioned to permanent homes. For those still residing in FEMA temporary housing, assistance was extended through February 28, 2027. To encourage progress toward permanent housing, FEMA will gradually increase rental requirements during this extension period.

Beginning September 1, 2026, FEMA will increase rent for all Direct Housing occupants to fifty percent (50%) of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Maui County.

FEMA’s temporary housing program uses the HUD FMR for Maui County to determine monthly rent amounts, based on the number of bedrooms in each unit.

FEMA will notify households 45 days in advance of the rent increase effective date of September 1, 2026. If a household does not wish to pay the new rent amount, they must vacate their FEMA unit by the end of the previous month. For example, to avoid the 50% rate beginning September 1, 2026, a household must move out by August 31, 2026.

Each month, households receive a rent statement at their mailing address and can also access billing information online through their FEMA account. Rent can be paid by phone or electronically. Payments are due within 30 days from the first of each month.

Late payments are subject to a late fee equal to the 100% HUD FMR, plus additional penalty fees (such as property management, inspection, furnishing, and utility fees). If a household does not pay the full rent and associated fees, they will be removed from their unit and will no longer be eligible for FEMA assistance.

If a household secures permanent housing or wishes to leave their FEMA unit for any reason, they should notify their Recertification Advisor. Monthly rent is not prorated; if a household moves out during the month, they are responsible for the full rent for that month.

The 45-day notification letter will include instructions on how to submit an appeal. Households have 60 days from the date of the notice to submit their appeal and are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Appeals must include a written explanation and supporting documents, such as pay stubs, mortgage or rental agreements, property tax bills, insurance invoices, and utility bills. While an appeal is pending, households must continue to pay the full rent amount; if the appeal is granted, FEMA will refund any difference.

For questions about rent payments, households can call FEMA Finance at 866-804-2469 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST; EST is currently six hours ahead of Hawaiʻi time) or email FEMA-Finance-AccountsReceivable-Deposits@FEMA.dhs.gov. For questions about the appeal process or required documentation, survivors should contact their Recertification Advisor.

FEMA is committed to supporting Maui wildfire survivors as they work toward permanent housing. Recertification teams continue to meet regularly with residents, offering guidance and connecting them to resources. As rental rates increase, timely communication and documentation are essential for managing rent changes and appeals. Survivors are encouraged to stay informed, reach out for assistance, and take all necessary steps toward securing permanent housing.

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