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Consumer
Protection Bureau
2 of 4
Avoid home repair scams
§ Beware of contractors going
door-to-door. Do not feel
pressured into making a decision
right away.
§ Get estimates from several
contractors on what they think
the repairs will cost.
§ Make sure written contracts
match any verbal promises made.
§ FEMA can provide additional
information on home repair scams
and make referrals on where you
can report instances of fraud.
Obligation 2: Occupy your home
as your principal residence
If you cannot live in your home because
it was damaged by a natural disaster:
§ Send written notice to your lender or
servicer that you plan to return when
your home is repaired. Send your
notice by certied mail.
§ Provide your lender or servicer up-
to-date-contact information such
as a forwarding address, email, and
telephone number.
Obligation 3: Pay your property
charges on time
If you cannot pay your property charges
after a natural disaster:
§ Check with your local tax authority
to see if you can delay property tax
ling deadlines, pay your taxes in
installments, or waive penalty fees. If
you enter into one of these options, let
your servicer know.
§ Reach out to Area Agencies on Aging
(AAA) to nd state and local assistance
programs that may help you pay for
missed property charges. To nd the
nearest AAA, call (800) 677-1116 or
visit eldercare.acl.gov.
§ If you miss a payment, contact your
lender or servicer as soon as possible.
Your lender or servicer may pay your
property charges by
using money from your monthly loan
payout or line of credit.
§ If your loan is in default, ask your lender
or servicer what options are available.
See if your lender or servicer has special
“hardship” options or repayment plan
options for disaster victims.
§ Ask your servicer for an “at-risk
extension.” This may help you delay
a foreclosure if you are 80 years or
older and are experiencing critical
circumstances (such as long-term
disability or terminal illness).