Wayne County and the City of Detroit are continuing a foreclosure prevention partnership that has already helped more than 17,000 Detroit property owners avoid losing their homes.
Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree and Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield announced Thursday that the renewal of a state law will allow the county’s Pay As You Stay program, or PAYS, to continue working alongside Detroit’s Homeowner Property Exemption program, known as HOPE.
Together, the programs offer relief to qualifying homeowners who have fallen behind on property taxes.
Detroit homeowners with delinquent taxes who qualify for HOPE can also automatically qualify for reductions through PAYS. The Wayne County Treasurer’s Office determines the reduced amount and notifies eligible property owners.
Homeowners then have two options: pay the balance in full and receive an additional 10% reduction or spread the reduced amount over a three-year, zero-interest payment plan.
“The PAYS and HOPE property tax partnership has made it possible for thousands of families in Detroit and Wayne County to avoid foreclosure,” Sabree said.
He said the program is especially important for homeowners who fall behind because of job or economic changes, illness or other circumstances outside their control.
Sheffield said keeping homeowners in their properties also helps protect the stability of Detroit neighborhoods.
“Pay As You Stay has been a godsend for Detroiters at risk of losing their homes to tax foreclosure and has helped to stabilize neighborhoods by keeping homeowners in their homes,” Sheffield said.
She encouraged Detroiters who are struggling with property taxes to contact the HOPE program and find out whether they qualify for PAYS.
This year’s deadline to enroll in HOPE is Nov. 6. The city will hold its next HOPE information and enrollment fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Patton Recreation Center, 2301 Woodmere.
Sabree urged homeowners not to wait until they are facing foreclosure to look into available assistance.
Wayne County property owners can learn more about PAYS and other tax assistance programs, including the Interest Reduction Stipulated Payment Agreement and Distressed Owner Occupied Extension, by calling the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office at 313-224-5990.
Detroit residents can find information about HOPE at detroitmi.gov/HOPE.
