• Under the Sheffield administration, the City has started HOPE outreach efforts earlier this year to ensure Detroit homeowners struggling to pay property taxes get help
• Detroit is hosting several Healthy Home Resource Day, HOPE events to help homeowners apply for HOPE program to avoid risk of foreclosure, connect to other resources, May 9 is next event
• Homeowners can qualify for 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% reduction in property taxes, depending on household income
• More than 15,000 Detroit homeowners were approved for HOPE in 2025

The City of Detroit under the Sheffield administration has started its HOPE outreach efforts earlier this year to ensure City leaders can reach more homeowners who may be struggling to pay their annual property taxes. The Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) program provides significant relief by offering property tax exemptions to qualified homeowners based on their household income.

Last year, over 15,000 Detroit homeowners were approved for a HOPE exemption. HOPE now exempts both current and previous year property taxes thanks to a change in State law. You may now apply for the 2025 tax year as well, provided you did not apply previously.

“The HOPE Program was created for one reason, which is to help Detroiters stay in their homes and avoid losing it to foreclosure, and it has helped thousands of families,” said Mayor Mary Sheffield. “By launching these efforts earlier in the year, we’re aiming to connect more eligible homeowner occupants with the resources they need to reduce their property tax burden.”

The City’s HOPE events aka Healthy Home Resource Days will continue through October ahead of the November 6 deadline. The next event is Saturday, May 9 at the Islamic Center of Detroit.

HOPE events = resources, giveaways and free transportation

Residents not only get a chance to apply for the HOPE program on-site at these events but also get access to other resources with City departments and our community partners. Plus, new this year are food giveaways, raffles and free transportation. Through a partnership with Lyft, residents who make an appointment can get a free ride to and from any of the HOPE events.

Based on household income, a homeowner may qualify for a 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% reduction in their property taxes.

Healthy Home Resource Day events are scheduled through October:

Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Islamic Center of Detroit (ICD)

14350 Tireman Ave. Detroit, MI 48228

Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Samaritan Center

5555 Conner, Detroit, MI 48215

Saturday, July 18, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Crowell Recreation Center

16630 Lahser, Detroit, MI 48219

Saturday, August 15, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Joseph Walker Williams Recreation Center

8431 Rosa Parks Blvd., Detroit, MI 48206

Saturday, September 19, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Patton Recreation Center

2301 Woodmere, Detroit, MI 48209

Saturday, October 23, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Northwest Activities Center

18100 Meyers, Detroit, MI 48235

The deadline to apply for the HOPE program is November 6, 2026. Residents can apply online or schedule an in-person appointment at a HOPE event by visiting detroitmi.gov/HOPE or contact the Call Center at (313) 244-0274, walk-ins for the events are available between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

“We’ve added more Healthy Home Resource Days to reach as many homeowners as possible to make them aware of the help that’s available. Plus, this year we’re holding raffles, giving away food and providing free transportation. Our main objective is to help keep people in their homes,” said Willie Donwell, Director, Board of Review, City Council. “Over the years, the HOPE program has helped thousands of homeowners reduce their tax burden to an affordable level so they cannot be in fear of falling behind and at risk of foreclosure. We’re asking anyone who may be eligible or at risk to reach out and apply before the November 6 deadline,” said Donwell.

Who qualifies?

Eligibility for HOPE is based on household income and whether a person owns and occupies their home as their primary residence. Most homeowners whose income is below the guidelines are generally approved. See the chart of income levels below.

Approved HOPE applications may make you eligible for other assistance programs and help in paying off delinquent property taxes.

HOPE, formerly the Homeowners Property Tax Assistance Program (HPTAP) is also referred to as the Poverty Tax Exemption, “PTE” or Hardship Program. The HOPE application is an annual application, and homeowners must apply every year.

Add $5,500.00 to the income limit for each household member above eight for a 100% exemption. For a 75% exemption add $5,665.00 to the income limit for each household member above eight. For a 50% partial exemption add $5,830.00 to the income limit for each household member above eight. For a 25% partial exemption add $6,160,00 to the income for each household member above eight. For a 10% exemption add $10,725.00 for each household member above eight.

10% exemption requires property to be in threat of tax foreclosure or at least 20% loss of household income from the prior year (as approved by the State Tax Commission).

City of Detroit 2026 summer property tax bills start hitting mailboxes in early July.

See 2026 HOPE application here.