The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the implementation of federal disaster assistance for Texas, following severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began on April 26, 2024. This announcement follows President Biden's major disaster declaration for the counties of Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, and Walker.
Effective immediately, HUD is providing a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), as well as foreclosures of mortgages to Native American borrowers guaranteed under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program. A 90-day extension is also granted automatically for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages.
Homeowners affected by the disaster are advised to contact their mortgage or loan servicer immediately for assistance. Conventional mortgage holders may also be eligible for additional relief through their mortgage holder. For further information, individuals can call the FHA Resource Center at 1-800-304-9320 or visit the FHA Disaster Relief site.
HUD is making mortgage insurance available through its Section 203(h) program for homes that require reconstruction or complete replacement due to damage. Borrowers from participating FHA-approved lenders are eligible for 100 percent financing including closing costs. Additionally, HUD's Section 203(k) loan program allows individuals to finance both the purchase or refinance of a house and its repair through a single mortgage.
Information on housing providers and HUD programs will be shared with FEMA and the State to identify available units in impacted counties. The Department will connect FEMA and the State with subject matter experts to provide information on HUD programs and providers.
Community Planning and Development Grantees receiving funds from various HUD programs can apply for administrative flexibility in response to natural disasters. Public Housing Agencies can also apply for needed waivers and flexibilities for disaster relief and recovery.
Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities can seek administrative flexibility through regulatory waivers by contacting their local Office of Native American Programs or emailing Codetalk@hud.gov.
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are prepared to assist those impacted by natural disasters in determining assistance needs and available resources. These services are available without charge for foreclosure prevention counseling.
Lastly, HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity is ready to assist individuals who believe they have experienced housing discrimination following a disaster. Complaints can be filed by calling HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or visiting HUD's website. Assistance is available in more than 200 languages as well as through the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
