How to Prepare Your Property for FEMA and Insurance Clients After a Disaster

Hi, I’m William Dotson, Co-Founder of Nova Havens Temporary Housing, a company dedicated to assisting displaced families find temporary homes after disasters such as fires, floods, and storms. In light of the recent devastating Los Angeles Fires, it’s critical for property owners to understand how to prepare their homes to support FEMA and insurance housing clients effectively.
As someone who works closely with insurance carriers and relocation companies, assisting roughly 20 families each week in their relocation to furnished and unfurnished accommodations, I’ve learned what leads to successful bookings in this area. I’ve partnered with Furnished Finder to share those tips with landlords to ensure your property is ready to provide comfort, safety, and stability for families during this difficult time.
Ensure Safety and Compliance
Families recovering from disasters need assurance that their temporary home is safe and secure. Start by:
- Installing smoke detectors in every bedroom and main area along with carbon monoxide detectors on each floor in the home.
- Checking electrical systems, plumbing, and heating/cooling units for safety.
- Providing clear emergency exit instructions and contact numbers for emergencies.
Offer Thoughtful Furnishings
Displaced families are often overwhelmed and need homes that feel warm and inviting. Essentials include:
- Fully furnished spaces with a focus on comfort (e.g., cozy bedding and ample seating).
- Keyless entry systems, like Schlage locks, to ensure security without the need to manage physical keys.
- Smart TVs with streaming options such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube TV.
- A guidebook with clear instructions on how to use appliances, home systems, and any unique property features.
- Functional kitchens stocked with basic cookware and utensils for easy meal prep.
- Pet-friendly housing options, as many families relocate with pets. At Nova Havens, all of our properties are pet-friendly, and we provide small and large food/water bowls, as well as various size pet beds, which we’ve found make a world of difference to our guests.
Focus on Accessibility
Providing accessible rental homes can make a significant difference for individuals displaced from disasters. Consider:
- Maintaining clean, clutter-free environments to reduce stress.
- Offering fenced-in yards where children and pets can feel secure.
- Accessibility options such as entry ramps or handrails are a huge plus; detailing in your listing whether you have at least one bedroom on the first floor and a walk-in shower are great points to highlight.
Streamline the Booking Process
Insurance clients are often placed in homes quickly due to urgent needs. To support this:
- Be responsive to inquiries from insurance adjusters and relocation specialists. At Nova Havens, we prioritize booking the properties that have the fastest qualified responses, within 15 minutes preferred (1 hour maximum) on the day we send out an inquiry.
- Use multiple communication channels, including email, phone, and Furnished Finder messaging, to connect with us quickly. We prefer brief phone calls followed by detailed emails that outline home information, pricing, and current availability.
- Stay flexible by prioritizing the needs of displaced families. For example, while we typically establish a 30-day vacate-or-extend policy, be prepared to accommodate last-minute extensions when repairs take longer than expected. If an extension conflicts with future bookings, consider options like relocating the family to another property within your portfolio or assisting the incoming guest (future booking) with alternative accommodations. While these situations aren’t always easy, flexibility is key to supporting displaced families effectively.
Stock Essentials for Comfort
Families will often arrive with limited belongings. Go the extra mile by stocking your property with:
- Toiletries like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste.
- Basic pantry items such as coffee, tea, sugar, and salt.
- Cleaning supplies and laundry detergent for convenience.
Partner with Insurance and Relocation Companies
Building strong relationships with insurance relocation companies and platforms like Furnished Finder can make all the difference. These partnerships ensure that your property is placed with families in need while streamlining the financial process.
To establish these relationships:
- Be proactive in reaching out to relocation companies and adjusting to their needs. Highlight your property’s features, availability, and willingness to accommodate unique situations.
- Collaborate with claims adjusters, insurance relocation specialists, and even housing crews such as cleanup or construction teams, as they often also seek housing during disaster recovery efforts.
- Maintain professionalism and reliability, as this builds trust and leads to more referrals.
In my experience, clear communication, fast response times, and a focus on client needs have helped Nova Havens become a trusted partner in this space.
Closing Thoughts
At Nova Havens, we’ve built our mission around supporting families during life’s toughest moments. By preparing your property thoughtfully, you’re not only providing a safe haven but also playing a vital role in their recovery.
Thank you to Furnished Finder for spearheading a campaign that highlights the importance of community and collaboration in disaster response. Let’s work together to bring relief to those affected by the Los Angeles Fires and beyond.
For property owners interested in joining efforts to house displaced families, be sure to list your property on Furnished Finder. Together, we can provide safe, welcoming spaces for those who need them most.