Steps to rebuilding
2025 Los Angeles Fires
See the major steps to take when rebuilding your home.
File insurance claims
If you have insurance, file a claim now.
- Make sure you document and track all recovery expenses.
- Your insurance may also cover at least 4 months of rent for temporary housing.
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If you need help with insurance claims,
- See help from the Department of Insurance, or
- Call 1-800-927-4357 or TTY: 711.
Get money to rebuild
You may be eligible for financial support to help you rebuild.
- Apply for FEMA disaster assistance by March 31, 2025. Use this money to pay for living or rebuilding costs. If you have insurance, file a claim first.
- Apply for a disaster loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) by March 31, 2025. You don’t need to own a business to get this loan. You can use it to rebuild your home.
- Contact your mortgage lender for mortgage relief. See this list of participating lenders.
Decide how to remove debris
- Opt in to free debris removal from the government by March 31, 2025.
- If you don’t opt in, you’ll need to pay for private debris removal from a contractor.
- Learn more about debris removal.
Hire a contractor
- Make sure you use a state-licensed contractor.
- Get a written contract.
Apply for permits
- You can submit your plans and apply for building permits now. You don’t need to wait until debris removal is complete.
- You can also apply for permits in person at One-Stop Permit Centers. Make an appointment.
- You can apply to put temporary housing on your property.
- Learn more about permits.
Start construction
Your contractor can guide you through the construction process.