If your home is substantially damaged and uninhabitable after a hurricane, then your first priority after the storm is to secure safe and comfortable accommodation. Since lots of other people are likely in a similar position, this task can be challenging. Also, with the number of other things you need to handle, you're probably feeling a bit overwhelmed. Luckily, there's help available to help you secure a new place to live. By reviewing your options and acting quickly, you'll give yourself the best chance of finding a short-term rental that meets your needs.
Check Out State-Run Platforms
State-run platforms can give you a great overview of your available options in southwest Florida, whether you're based in Naples, Fort Myers, or Estero. For example, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation could be a good place to start. It promotes the Florida Housing Search website to people looking for rental accommodation.
This free platform is updated regularly and contains listings for temporary housing throughout the state. Designed to help disaster survivors quickly navigate their options and secure a safe place to live, it's a useful tool that can save you the trouble of contacting lots of different agencies and companies to get an idea of all your options. You can contact the accommodation provider directly to inquire about availability and take a big step towards securing a place to stay.
Get Accommodation Through Your Insurer
If you have insurance coverage for storm damage, it's possible that your insurer will take care of your temporary housing needs, although it depends on the type of coverage. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood policies do not cover temporary housing. If your insurance policy does cover additional living expenses (ALE), this option could make it easy for you to find a place to stay in the short-term.
Alternatively, they may give you a cash allowance to pay for accommodations you've identified yourself. Every insurance policy will have slightly different terms, so it's important to speak directly with your insurer to figure out what options you have under your insurance agreement. If the agreement is that you pay the accommodation and claim it back, don't forget to keep receipts of your transactions as proof.
If this option is available, another benefit it brings is that you can manage your affairs more easily. Your insurer will also likely be dealing with repairs to your home and any other recovery work needed on your property. Amid the stress and upheaval of moving to a new location, it can make a big difference to have a single contact partner that's handling your main concerns in the immediate term. You may also not have reliable internet access to do a lot of searching for yourself, so handing off this task to your insurer will be a good move.
Get Direct Housing or Rental Costs Reimbursed by FEMA
People who don't have insurance coverage or whose policy doesn't cover housing assistance can apply for help through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). There are several programs availabler depending on your requirements and FEMA's resources in the area. One such option is direct housing, where FEMA will arrange for a moveable housing unit or another alternative for you to stay in. Another possibility is to get your costs for a hotel or motel reimbursed through FEMA. Alternatively, temporary apartment or housing rentals needed while your home is made habitable again can also be covered with FEMA funds.
You can either apply for FEMA support online or by using its mobile app. Regardless of whether you're covered by insurance or not, it's best to apply for support as soon as possible, since. High volumes of applications may mean that you'll have a wait if you delay too long.
Stay With Friends or Relatives
This option technically isn't a rental, but if it's possible for you, staying with friends or relatives is very attractive. It removes the hassle of searching for a safe property online or making arrangements with your insurer. What's more, you know the people you're staying with, and they may be able to provide additional support and assistance during a difficult time. On the other hand, this solution won't be a long-term one for most people. Many households don't have spare space to accommodate unexpected guests for more than a few days.
The other problem with this arrangement is that if your friends and family live nearby, they may be dealing with many of the same challenges as you. It may be necessary for you to look for housing options further afield if local damage is extensive.
Make Arrangements on the Private Market
Many people may feel that the private market offers the quickest and most straightforward solution to your temporary rental needs. You're probably familiar with several popular platforms that you've used during a vacation or trip away from home to secure an apartment. Some of these platforms may offer special services to disaster survivors to help them access accommodation.
One drawback to trying to make arrangements yourself in this way is that the market may be overwhelmed with customers. One way around this is to look for housing further away from the disaster area, although this may present its own problems for you in terms of getting to work or dealing with damage to your property. Ultimately you have to weigh pros and cons for what will work best for you and your family.
Take Swift Action To Secure Your Housing Needs
Regardless of which route you follow, it's important to act quickly following the storm to have your best chance of successfully finding a comfortable and safe place to stay temporarily. Start with state-run platforms that give you an overview of all options open to you and apply for FEMA assistance right away. If you have insurance that includes additional living expenses, it's best to involve them so that they can handle the organization of accommodation for you. In case you have to make arrangements for yourself, you can explore the alternatives of staying with friends or renting on the private market, with the knowledge that FEMA funding may be able to reimburse some or all of the costs in the future.