Disaster Assistance Fairness Act

This bill aims to broaden the scope of federal disaster assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. It specifically extends eligibility to various multi-unit housing structures, including residential common interest communities , condominiums , housing cooperatives , and manufactured housing communities . The legislation achieves this by adding explicit definitions for these housing types into the Stafford Act, ensuring they are recognized for federal aid. The bill introduces two key provisions to assist these communities after a major disaster. First, it mandates rules for federal assistance for the removal of debris or wreckage from real estate owned by these entities, provided a state or local government determines it poses a threat to life, public health, or economic recovery. Second, it expands individual and household assistance to cover the repair of essential common elements , such as roofs, exterior walls, and utility access, within condominiums, manufactured housing communities, and housing cooperatives, requiring documentation of the individual's pro rata share of costs. These amendments will apply to disasters declared on or after the bill's enactment date.