During a disaster, going to security is the top priority. But for many Angelenos displaced by devastating forest fires that rage in the County of Los Angeles, questions are looming on what comes next.
The fires have destroyed thousands of structures and forced approximately 92,000 residents to evacuate. With some seated houses and others reduced to rubble, here are answers you may need.
This article is provided free of charge to ensure our safety community and supported following devastating fires in southern California.
My house burned. Do I still have to pay my mortgage?
Owners affected by a disaster are often eligible to reduce or suspend their Mortgage payments For up to 12 months, according to Fannie Mae, the Federal National Mortgage Assn.
If your house has been destroyed in a forest fire, contact your mortgage agent as soon as possible to discuss your options. You may be qualified for an abstention plan that will temporarily lower or eliminate your monthly payment and prevent late costs and foreclosure.
You will possibly have to pay what you need once your abstention plan expires. Fannie Mae offers resources to avoid paying a lump sum under these circumstances, in particular Representation of payments in the event of a disaster.
What about my land taxes?
If your home or business has been affected by wind storms or fires, you can be eligible for land tax relief Through the office of the County Evaluator of Los Angeles. You must deposit a misfortune or complaint of calamity To request a reassessment of your property.
You will not be eligible for tax relief only if damage to your property exceeds $ 10,000 and submit your complaint within 12 months of the incident. If you are approved, your reduced tax rate will remain in force until your property is restored or rebuilt.
My house or rented company was damaged or destroyed. Do I still have to pay the rent?
Under California's law, your rental contract will become empty if the rental unit is completely destroyed in a disaster. You will no longer be required to pay the rent and your owner must return your security deposit.
If your rental unit is partially destroyed and cannot be experienced, you can choose to end your rental agreement or wait for your owner to make the necessary repairs. You will not have to pay rent while waiting for repairs, unless you return to the unit.
If you are an owner, you are responsible for repairs after a disaster and have the obligation to make the unit habitable as soon as possible.
I live in an area not directly affected by fires. Will my rent increase?
California anti-tricker The law is now in force, which limits the increases in rent to no more than 10% above pre-urgency levels after the emergency declaration. The limit applies to existing tenants and new leases.
Price garnish protections apply in the state where displacement increases the demand for housing, according to the California Apartment Assn.
THE Cap on rent increases triggered by forest fires will expire on February 6, unless executive decrees or local declarations.
If you believe you have proof of rent from rent, you can submit a complaint to the prosecutor's office to this Web page. The coalition for Economic Survival, an organization of the rights of tenants, also holds on Saturday workshops To inform people of their rights.
Do I have to pay my public service bills?
That you should continue to pay your gas, water and electricity bills depends on your suppliers, where you live and the condition of your home.
South of California Edison, which provides power to the Altadena region, has suspended invoicing to all customers who live in compulsory evacuation zones, said the company of the company Gabriela Ornelas. The suspensions entered into force on January 8. The company also works with the County of Los Angeles to obtain the addresses of houses which have been completely destroyed, which will be permanently from the billing list.
California gas customers who have lost their house or business need to contact the company to end the service, said company spokesperson Erica Berardi. The natural gas supplier will forgive the current invoice and the most recent invoice for customers whose properties have been destroyed.
Customers who have had their natural gas service disabled by Socalgas for security reasons will not be invoiced during the breakdown.
The Los Angeles and Electricity Water Department has interrupted billing notices in the zones directly affected by fires, said spokesperson Michelle Figueroa. He also encouraged customers facing financial difficulties to contact the public service on the management of their invoice.
“We are here to support you and ensure that your public service bill is not a burden at the moment,” Ladwp customers told customers.
Where can I help find temporary accommodation?
A rush to the training of vacant units is activated, and some owners increase rents far beyond what the anti-prison law allows. It makes it difficult for many people to find an affordable place to live.
If you cannot find accommodation with friends or family, there are some options for free or reduced accommodation.
Airbnb.org, a non -profit organization that works with Airbnb hosts, provides Free and temporary accommodation For those moved by fires, and you can register here.
Some hotels offer Reduced prices. THE Balaciano groupAn owner with several apartments in the San Fernando Valley also offers reductions to fire victims.
Is government aid available?
You can receive $ 770 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of its serious needs assistance program, which can help you pay things such as water, baby formula and food. To apply, call 1-800-621-3362 or visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/.
FEMA also offers temporary housing assistance, however, California must request this assistance to have entered.
Amy Palmer, spokesperson for the Governor’s emergency office, said on Monday evening that the state should officially make the request “in a few hours” and that it has been working with FEMA since last week to ensure “the fastest possible assistance”.
What can tenant insurance do?
If you have the tenant's insurance, submit a complaint as soon as you can.
Rick Dinger, president of Crescenta Valley Insurance, said that tenants' police often offer at least $ 25,000 to replace damaged personal property and help you find and pay a new place to live.
If you are one of the many people who do not have a tenant insurance, you can request a low interest loan from the federal government to replace things such as clothing, furniture and cars. Loans are available via Small Business Administration. You don't need to own a business to qualify and tenants can borrow up to $ 100,000.
More information is available here.
