Property Tax Relief for Fire-Damaged Properties: A Guide for Landlords

Wildfires in California leave not only physical destruction but also financial challenges for property owners. To help mitigate these burdens, the state offers property tax relief for damaged properties, including deferrals and reductions. As a landlord, it’s important to understand how these programs work and how you can benefit from them to recover effectively.

Who Qualifies for Property Tax Relief?

Property owners, including landlords, may qualify for relief if their property sustained damage of at least $10,000 during a wildfire or other qualifying disaster. Relief options include:

• Tax Deferrals: Temporarily postponing property tax payments without penalties or interest.


• Reduction in Assessed Value: Lowering the assessed value of a damaged property, which reduces the property tax owed until repairs are completed.

To apply, property owners must file a claim with their County Assessor’s Office within 12 months of the damage.

Steps for Landlords to Apply

1. Contact the Assessor’s Office
   
   Reach out to the County Assessor’s Office in the area where your property is located. Request the appropriate forms, typically called a “Misfortune or Calamity” application.


2. Submit Documentation
   
   Include evidence to support your claim, such as photos of the damage, repair estimates, and insurance reports. Providing clear and accurate information will help expedite the process.


3. File on Time
   
   Claims must be submitted within a year of the damage. Acting quickly will ensure you don’t miss this opportunity for relief.

Benefits for Landlords

• Reduced Property Tax Burden
  
  Lowering the assessed value or deferring payments gives landlords financial flexibility during the recovery period.


• Retention of Assessed Value
  
  If you rebuild in a similar manner to the pre-damage structure, the property’s original assessed value can often be retained, preventing higher property taxes in the future.


• Statewide Availability
  
  These programs are available across California, as all counties have ordinances to assist property owners after disasters.

Support During Recovery

Accessing property tax relief can provide financial breathing room to focus on repairs and supporting tenants. Staying informed about available resources, acting promptly, and maintaining open communication with relevant offices can make the recovery process smoother.

This tax relief is one of many tools designed to assist landlords in the aftermath of disasters, helping communities rebuild and move forward.