Quake Housing Program Extended

Following anguished protests from condo owners, the federal program that pays for temporary replacement housing for Northridge quake victims has been extended for eight months, until March, 1996, federal officials announced Monday.

The program, which has already paid quake victims $1.2 million for temporary housing and repairs, had been set to expire in July, 18 months after the quake.

The extension also eases the aid restrictions that brought protests from owners of condominiums, Len DeCarlo of the Federal Emergency Management Agency said Monday.

The money is meant to cover rent on replacement quarters while homes are being repaired. Eligible applicants receive a check for three months’ fair market rent for accommodations appropriate for the size and composition of the household, he said.

Although the program applies to all homeowners, been condo owners say they have suffered the most from delays caused by having to deal with builders, insurance companies, federal aid officials and city building permit problems.