Detroit homeowners facing financial hardship may qualify for programs that can reduce current and delinquent property taxes, prevent foreclosure and make repayment more manageable.

The City of Detroit and Wayne County have resumed their foreclosure-prevention partnership following the renewal of a state law authorizing the Pay As You Stay program. Through the partnership, eligible homeowners can receive help from two connected programs:

• HOPE, the City of Detroit’s Homeowners Property Exemption, can reduce or eliminate a qualifying homeowner’s current-year property taxes.
• PAYS, Wayne County’s Pay As You Stay program, can reduce delinquent property taxes for homeowners approved for HOPE.

The deadline to apply for HOPE this year is November 6, 2026.

How HOPE and PAYS work together

Detroit homeowners who are approved for HOPE and have delinquent property taxes are automatically considered for PAYS.

The City provides Wayne County with a list of properties approved for the exemption. The Wayne County Treasurer’s Office then determines the eligible reduction in delinquent taxes and contacts qualifying homeowners.

Through PAYS, homeowners may choose to:

• Pay the reduced balance in full and receive an additional 10% reduction; or
• Enroll in a three-year, zero-interest payment plan.

Together, the programs have helped thousands of Detroit and Wayne County property owners avoid foreclosure and remain in their homes.

“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,” Mayor Mary Sheffield said. “I strongly urge any homeowner struggling to pay their property taxes to contact the City’s HOPE program so they can qualify for Pay As You Stay.”

Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree said the partnership is intended to help property owners who are working to meet their obligations but have experienced financial hardship because of illness, economic changes or other circumstances beyond their control.

Get in-person help October 22 and October 31

The City of Detroit will hold its next HOPE information and enrollment fair:

Thursday, October 22, 2026
4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Northwest Activities Center
18100 Meyers, Detroit 48235

Saturday, October 31, 2026
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Perfecting Church
7616 East Nevada, Detroit 48234

Residents can attend to learn about eligibility and receive help with the application process.

Take action before the November 6 deadline

If you are struggling to pay your property taxes, do not wait until your home is at risk of foreclosure.

Detroit homeowners: Learn about HOPE and apply at DetroitMI.gov/HOPE.

Wayne County property owners: Call the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office at 313-224-5990 or email [email protected] to learn about PAYS and other available tax-assistance programs.

Apply for HOPE by November 6, 2026, to find out what assistance may be available and take the first step toward protecting your home.