FEMA Trailer Rent Appeal Process | Video

Julie Leonardi | 12/4/2012

Hundreds of people in Minot are still living in FEMA housing since the Mouse River flood. They`ve been living in that housing at no cost. But that`s about to change because the initial 18 month period for individuals to live in FEMA trailers free of charge is about to be up. A letter notifying residents was sent out on November 15. Two bedroom trailers will cost $641 and three bedrooms $945.

“The letters have gone out to the applicants and if they have any questions at all, we encourage them to talk to their advisor,” said Individual Assistance Deputy Branch Director Susan Pederson.

Rent will be charged January 1 but there is an appeal process.

Pederson said, “If they disagree with that amount, they have, in the letter, details exactly what they need to do to make an adjustment. They are going to be requested for documentation and from that point FEMA will review the information that is sent and determine if they`re eligible. That is the housing adjustment, your mortgage, your taxes and insurance, you might have to pay in addition to paying rent."

As soon as Joann Roreick, who lives in a FEMA trailers, received her letter, she immediately began her appeal process. “I sent in a letter telling them many reasons why we could not afford that rent. One of them was the fact that we`re still paying a mortgage, insurance, taxes on our house that was flooded.”

Roreick struggled to find the right words to say in her appeal. “I didn`t know what to tell them. I just told them what I could, as far as my husband’s health, and us living, working and trying to make ends meet already. I hope we hear something. I sent it in early so there`s no reason they shouldn`t be able to go over that. I hope we know soon.”

People living in trailers have 60 days from November 15 to send in their appeal forms.

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