EMPLOYEE IN

 THE SPOTLIGHT

Greetings!  

Summer property taxes are due on July 2 (July 1 is a Sunday).  Municipalities and townships usually send out notices of property taxes due.  If you have not received a notice, we recommend that you contact the finance department of city and/or township where your property is located to find out how much is due and how to make payment.  Failure to pay your property taxes on time could result in interest and fines.  We found a comprehensive tax guide from the State of Michigan for your review.

Here are some frequently asked questions:

• How can I estimate how much the taxes will be on my property?  Follow this link from the State of Michigan for a property tax estimator.
• I didn't receive a bill for my property taxes in Detroit.  What should I do?  The City of Detroit answers some frequently asked questions in this link.  Your question is addressed in #3.
• How can I make payment for current taxes due in Detroit?  Follow this link to make payments on-line by credit card, by mail, or in person.
• My Detroit property taxes are delinquent.  How can I pay them?  Delinquent property taxes in Detroit are turned over to the Wayne County Treasurer for collection.  You may make payment on-line by following this link.

Speaking of property taxes.  If you feel that your property taxes are too high, you can appeal to the city.  The appeals process can be lengthy (3 years from inital appeal in some cases) and may require your attendance at appeals meetings.  Furthermore, your case may be referred to a tribunal in Lansing.  Sound daunting?  We can help.

Garner Properties & Management has partnered with The Law Offices of Aaron D. Cox to assist you with property tax appeals.  Complete information about the Property Tax Appeal program can be found on our website.

Making your property available for low income families is a great way to draw from a large pool of tenants and also to receive prompt payments from the housing department for its share of rent.  It is important for owners to understand that placing a tenant with Section 8 into a property is a process that takes time (and, in some cases, extra cost).  Below we have outlined expected timeframes, necessary documents, and steps in the process.  We also found a helpful link to Landlord Guidelines by Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).

Timeframe - All timeframes are listed in general terms:

• 6 weeks from the day the tenant pays a deposit on a property until lease signing.
• Up to 6 weeks from lease signing until landlord receives first payment.

Necessary documents - The following current documents should be on file at Garner Properties & Management to avoid delays:

• Property Deed
• Updated and fully executed management contract
• Property Taxes up to date

Inspections

• Garner Properties conducts a pre-inspection to identify and correct items that a Section 8 inspection would likely flag.
• The Housing Department conducts an initial inspection.
• Items that do not pass have to be fixed and the home is scheduled for reinspection.
• Inspection items are not negotiable.  If they are not fixed, the property will not pass and the tenant will have to find another property to rent.
• The Housing Department conducts a second inspection.
• The inspector checks for safety-related items and sound structure.  Commonly reviewed items include (but are not limited to):
• Grounded electric
• No trip hazards (interior and exterior)
• Handrails at stairs
• Hot water tank working properly
• Gas properly connected
• Stove working properly
• Once a property passes inspection, all documents and inspection reports are submitted to the housing commission for approval.  When approval is received by GPM, we schedule the lease signing.