In the event of a disaster, ensuring safety is the top priority. But for many Angelenos forced to evacuate due to the devastating wildfires raging across Los Angeles County, the question looms: What happens next?
The fire destroyed thousands of buildings and forced the evacuation of approximately 92,000 residents. With some houses empty and others reduced to rubble, here are the answers you may need.
My house was burnt down. Do I still have to pay my mortgage?
Homeowners affected by disasters can often have their mortgage payments reduced or suspended for up to 12 months, according to Fannie Mae, the Federal Home Mortgage Association.
If your home is destroyed in a wildfire, contact a mortgage servicer as soon as possible to discuss your options. You may be eligible for a forbearance plan that temporarily reduces or waives your monthly payments and protects you from late fees and foreclosure.
Once your forgiveness plan expires, you will eventually have to pay the amount owed. Fannie Mae offers resources to help you avoid paying a lump sum in these situations, including disaster payment deferrals.
What will happen to my property taxes?
If your home or business was affected by a storm or fire, you may be eligible for temporary property tax relief through the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office. To request a reassessment of your property, you must file a misfortune or misfortune claim.
You will only qualify for tax relief if the damage to your property exceeds $10,000 and you file a claim within 12 months of the accident. If approved, the reduced tax rate remains in effect until the property is repaired or rebuilt.
Rented homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed. Do I still need to pay rent?
Under California law, a rental agreement is void if a disaster completely destroys the rental unit. You no longer have to pay rent and your landlord must return your deposit.
If your rental unit is partially damaged and becomes uninhabitable, you have the option of terminating the rental agreement or waiting for your landlord to make the necessary repairs. While you are waiting for repairs, you do not have to pay rent unless you move in again.
If you are a landlord, you are responsible for repairs after a disaster and have a duty to make the property habitable as soon as possible.
I live in an area that was not directly affected by the fires. Will the rent go up?
California currently has a price gouging law in place that limits rent increases after a state of emergency is declared to no more than 10% of the pre-state level. This limit applies to both existing tenants and new leases.
Price gouging protection applies anywhere in the state where evictions increase demand for housing, according to the California Apartment Association.
The cap on rent increases due to wildfires will expire on February 6th unless extended by executive order or local proclamation.
If you believe you have evidence of rent gouging, you can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office through this webpage. The Economic Survival Coalition, a tenant rights organization, is also holding Saturday workshops to inform people of their tenant rights.
Do I need to pay utility bills?
Whether you have to keep paying your gas, water, or electricity bill depends on your provider, where you live, and the condition of your home.
Southern California Edison, which provides electricity to the Altadena area, has suspended billing to all customers living in mandatory evacuation zones, company spokeswoman Gabriela Ornelas said. The suspension took effect on January 8th. The company is also working with Los Angeles County to obtain the addresses of the homes that were completely destroyed, and these homes will be permanently removed from the claim list.
Southern California Gas customers who have lost their homes or businesses do not need to contact the company to have their service terminated, Southern California Gas spokeswoman Erica Berardi said. Natural gas providers will waive current and most recent bills for customers whose property has been destroyed.
Customers whose natural gas service is shut off by SoCalGas for safety reasons will not be billed for the duration of the shutoff.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has suspended bill notifications in areas directly affected by the fire, spokeswoman Michelle Figueroa said. It also encouraged customers facing financial hardship to contact their utility companies for help managing their bills.
“We are here to support you and make sure your utility bills are not overwhelming at this time,” LADWP told customers.
Where can I get help finding temporary housing?
The rush to fill vacant units continues, with some landlords raising rents far beyond what anti-price gouging laws allow. This will make it difficult for many people to find an affordable place to live.
If you can’t find a place to live with friends or family, there are several options that can provide you with free or discounted housing.
Airbnb.org, a nonprofit organization that works with Airbnb hosts, is offering free temporary housing to people displaced by the fire, and you can sign up here.
Some hotels offer discounted rates. The Balaciano Group, a landlord that owns several apartment complexes in the San Fernando Valley, is also offering discounts to fire victims.
Is government assistance available?
Under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Serious Needs Assistance Program, you can receive $770 to help pay for things like water, baby formula and food. To apply, call 1-800-621-3362 or visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/.
FEMA also provides temporary housing assistance, but California must request that assistance before it can begin.
Amy Palmer, a spokeswoman for the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, said Monday night that the state should make a formal request “within hours” and that the state has been working with FEMA since last week to ensure “the quickest possible assistance.” He said he is doing so.
What can you do with renters insurance?
If you have renters insurance, file a claim as soon as possible.
Rick Dinger, president of Crescenta Valley Insurance, said rental agreements often provide at least $25,000 to replace damaged personal property and find and pay for a new home.
If you’re one of the many people without renters insurance, you can apply for a low-interest loan from the federal government to replace clothes, furniture, a car, and more. Loans are available through the Small Business Administration. You don’t need to own a business to qualify, and renters can borrow up to $100,000.
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