Virgin Island Property Owners Can Help Disaster Survivors

ST. CROIX — If you own a multi-family dwelling that needs repairs and are willing to lease to eligible FEMA hurricane survivors, then you may be interested in the Multi-Family Lease and Repair Program (MLRP).

This FEMA program provides funds to make rental units habitable again, and at the same time helps survivors of hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Here’s how it works: FEMA may have the property repaired using a third party contractor or you may choose to complete the repairs using your own contractors once repairs and costs have been agreed upon. The repairs or improvements do not need to be hurricane- or flood-related. The value of the work will be deducted from the value of the lease agreement, but may not exceed its total value.

To qualify for MLRP funds your property must meet certain criteria.

1. It must have three or more units to qualify as a multi-family dwelling. Each unit must provide independent living facilities for one or more people, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, cooking and sanitation.
2. It must have been previously used as a rental unit.
3. It must be located in St. Croix, St. John or St. Thomas (including Water Island).
4. You must be willing to have at least one unit repaired or improved to be accessible to applicants with disabilities or other access and functional needs.

In addition, the property must be accessible to community services like schools and grocery stores, and not be located in a flood-prone area. FEMA will require a lease of exclusive use of the property as temporary housing for a period of at least 18 months. The property owner must provide all property management services, and repairs must comply with local building codes, standards, permitting, inspection requirements and other laws.

Contact the Multi-Family Lease and Repair Program by email at [email protected] if you are a property owner interested in having your rental property considered for the program.

Additional details are available on FEMA’s Virgin Islands Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/FEMAUSVirginIslands.com.