We are truly sorry you are experiencing this terrible ordeal. Our office is here to support you through this situation and guide you through the next steps.

What Happens Next?

• The Fire Department (FDNY) will investigate the cause of the fire. Landlords typically wait for FDNY clearance before starting repairs.
• The Department of Buildings (DOB) will check the building for structural safety. They may issue a partial or full vacate order if the building is unsafe; a vacate order is NOT an eviction.
  • You do NOT owe rent while this order is in effect.
• The Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) will inspect your home to make sure it’s safe to live in. They may also issue a vacate order to make repairs.
• Red Cross will conduct an assessment of your needs and help you access food, clothing, medicine, etc. They may offer a hotel placement for the first 24 to 48 hours, this is not a shelter.
  • If you do not accept the hotel stay you may not get access to the resources they offer.
  • Everyone qualifies for Red Cross help regardless of immigration status.

Back Home Unit

The City’s new Back Home Unit (BHU) supports tenants who have been displaced from their homes due to a fire, a vacate order, or other emergencies. Visit backhome.nyc.gov and complete their intake form. You can talk to a BHU staff member at 212-389-6670 or via email at backhome@recovery.nyc.gov.

For additional information, visit the complete Tenant Resource Guide: tinyurl.com/BHUguide

Resources and Contacts

Fire Emergency Guide

Please feel free to download our comprehensive Fire Emergency Guide below (available in English and Spanish).

Food Resources

If you need additional help accessing food please feel free to download our comprehensive list below (available in English and Spanish). You may call our office for additional information.