Preventing eviction, foreclosure,
and homelessness in Detroit
Helping low-income residents stay in their homes and strengthen their communities, through representation, support, and ownership.
Eviction Prevention
The Coronavirus Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program is designed to keep Michigan residents who fell behind on their rent during COVID-19 in their homes. The program utilizes a special court process to get fast rental assistance for renters who have been affected. While the portal for new application submission has been discontinued, we are still processing applications for rental assistance that were submitted prior to 6/30/2022.
For information, click the links below.
Tenants in Wayne County who have received a "Notice to Quit" a summons from the court, or received verbal or written notice of your landlord's intention to evict you should call the
Eviction Hotline at 866-313-2520
FY 2018/2019
COVID-19 Notice | July 2022
All persons seeking assistance from the United Community Housing Coalition (UCHC) or Michigan Legal Services (MLS):
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UCHC/MLS offices are closed to the public except by appointment only. We will not see any client without an appointment. Unfortunately, if any client violates our appointment policy by trying to enter the building without an appointment, we must make a note of the violation in the client file. UCHC/MLS staff will not assist any client that threatens the health and safety of our staff.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
If you need help regarding a landlord-tenant or other eviction matter:
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If you currently have a judgment, you could be facing eviction. If you need assistance, call 313-355-3352
or email us at eviction@uchcdetroit.org. We will be checking these regularly. -
There is no longer a federal moratorium or national ban on evictions.
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If you receive a Complaint and Summons from your local district landlord-tenant court:
(a) ATTEND your landlord-tenant virtual hearing
(b) ASK for legal advice at your hearing
If you have a pending tax foreclosure:
UCHC's Tax Foreclosure Hotline can be reached at 313-405-7726
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On March 29th, 2022, the Wayne County Treasurer's Office announced that they will not foreclose on any owner-occupied properties who owe delinquent taxes for 2017 and later. If you received a notice of tax foreclosure or forfeiture at your primary residence and you have delinquent taxes for 2017 or later, this announcement means your property will not be foreclosed this year.
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If you're a low-income Detroit homeowner, we recommend you complete the HOPE (Homeowners Property Exemption) application. Approval for HOPE will lower your 2022 property tax obligation and make you eligible for the Wayne County Treasurer’s PAYS(Pay As You Stay) program which lowers all delinquent tax debt. We recommend all low-income homeowners apply for HOPE, even if you do not owe back taxes. The application is available online at detroitmi.gov/hope. If you need assistance with the application call UCHC’s Tax Foreclosure hotline at 313-405-7726. HOPE applications are due to the City Assessor's office by December 12, 2022.
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If you're a low-income homeowner AND you owe back taxes to the Wayne County Treasurer, HOPE could help you qualify for a new payment plan, called Pay As You Stay or “PAYS.” This plan can significantly reduce debt. Once approved for HOPE, you will receive a letter from the Treasurer with instructions for getting on the PAYS plan. If you are invited to PAYS, call the Detroit Tax Relief Fund (DTRF) for financial assistance in paying off your remaining tax debt at 313-244-0274.
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For more information about HOPE and PAYS, as well as a link to the HOPE application, go to https://detroitmi.gov/PAYS or visit our Resources page.
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If you're a non-owner living in a home facing tax foreclosure and would like to become the owner, call the Tax Foreclosure hotline at 313-405-7726 to inquire about the Make it Home program or get started at https://www.uchcdetroit.org/makeithome. Enrollment for Make it Home begins in April 2022 and closes in July 2022.
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If you need to reach us regarding an immediate tax matter, please call our tax hotline at 313-405-7726 and leave a clear message with your address and number to reach you, or you can email us at taxhotline@uchcdetroit.org. We will be checking both regularly.
If you have a payment to make:
If you need to make a payment or a deposit, there are 3 payment methods:
1. Money order or cashier's check -- You can mail in or drop off a money order at the front desk. Make it out to "UCHC" and include your name and address. You must be working with a UCHC/MLS staff in order to deposit funds. Our address is 2727 2nd Ave Suite 313 Detroit, MI 48201. Finance will mail you a receipt.
2. Make a payment online here.
3. Set up ACH automatic payments to schedule deductions from your bank account. Contact Erica Scott to set this up at escott@uchcdetroit.org.
For any other issues or questions:
Email help@uchcdetroit.org clearly stating your issue or question so we can direct you to the appropriate staff. We will attempt to resolve as many issues as possible by phone or e-mail.
We understand that this is a very trying time for everyone as we seek to provide the best possible housing services while protecting public health and safety. Please bear with us and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Ted Phillips, Executive Director and Marilyn Mullane, Executive Director
United Community Housing Coalition Michigan Legal Services
Helping homeowners avoid foreclosure, tax or mortgage related, and working with residents to stay in their homes, become owners, and avoid eviction
Helping displaced residents find housing, helping tenants organize to defend their rights, and providing legal representation for landlord-tenant cases
Helping our clients understand their rights, navigate legal requirements, and access available community resources