The moratorium covers mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration — i.e., FHA-insured single‑family Title II forward loans and FHA reverse mortgages (HECMs receive an automatic 90‑day extension) and loans guaranteed under HUD’s Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee. Private conventional (non‑FHA) loans are not covered by the FHA moratorium; borrowers with conventional mortgages must seek relief from their servicer or investor.
Section 203(h) lets FHA insure loans for homeowners in Presidentially‑declared disaster areas whose homes were destroyed or damaged so reconstruction/replacement is necessary. Eligible borrowers apply through FHA‑approved lenders (Direct Endorsement lenders); the program offers 100% financing with no down payment. The borrower’s application must be submitted to the lender within one year of the President’s disaster declaration; funds are available once an FHA‑approved lender underwrites and closes the loan (timing varies by lender and completeness of documentation).
Before contacting a servicer or HUD‑approved counselor, gather: current mortgage statement and loan number, mortgage note/deed, photo ID, Social Security number, recent pay stubs and tax returns, bank statements, proof of disaster impact (photos, repair estimates, FEMA registration or damage inspection), insurance policies and claim documents, utility bills or proof of occupancy, and contact information for your insurer and contractor. These documents speed evaluation for forbearance, insurance, reconstruction loans, or other relief.
CDBG and HOME grantees can apply for administrative waivers or suspensions after a Major Disaster Declaration to change timing, procurement, beneficiary income limits or eligible activities; waivers let grantees reprogram or delay grant deadlines and adjust procurement/contracting rules so funds can be used faster for disaster recovery, but specific flexibilities depend on HUD approval — grantees must contact their local CPD field office to request waivers and receive program‑specific guidance.
Tribes or Tribally Designated Housing Entities should contact their Area Office of Native American Programs (AONAP) to request regulatory waiver relief; prepare the disaster declaration (DR number), a description of requested waivers, how the waiver supports recovery, affected program(s), and documentation of impact. Submit the request to the AONAP office for review per HUD guidance and follow any AONAP instructions for implementation.
To file an FHEO (HUD) fair‑housing complaint, call HUD at 1‑800‑669‑9777 or file online at HUD’s complaint portal. HUD generally must receive complaints within one year of the last discriminatory act; after filing, HUD investigates and mayConciliate, refer to enforcement, or close the case — specific timelines vary by case, but the one‑year filing deadline is statutory.