The HomeSafe Property Tax Relief Program ("HomeSafe") was created in 2024 in response to increases in property taxes, to help keep Cincinnatians at risk of housing instability in their homes. The program provides tax relief of up to $10,000 to eligible low-to-moderate-income homeowners currently delinquent on their property taxes.

The Hamilton County Auditor is required by Ohio Law to value properties twice during a six-year cycle. Within the cycle, the county must reappraise and perform revaluations of all properties. Due to recent revaluations conducted in 2023, some property owners have seen an unexpected increase in their property taxes, which can especially burden low- to moderate-income homeowners. HomeSafe aims to strengthen housing stability in the immediate term of our changing housing market by helping keep qualified residents in their homes.​

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The Department of Community and Economic Development oversees the administration of the program in partnership with the Hamilton County Treasurer’s Office.

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Eligible applicants must live within the City of Cincinnati corporate limits and earn at or below 80% of the area median income (“AMI”) [see one-pager linked below for more detail]. The program is limited to single-family properties and 2–4-unit multifamily properties where the property is the owner/applicant's primary residence.

HomeSafe has an explicit emphasis on reaching seniors on a fixed income; households with at least one dependent child; and homeowners in LIFT neighborhoods.* All accumulated property taxes must be from 2020 to present, and delinquent property taxes prior to 2020 are ineligible.

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Goal​

​In response to drastic increases in property taxes, City Council passed Ordinance No. 0142-2024, allocating $1,000,000 in operating funds to create a program to help Cincinnatians at risk of housing instability to stay in their homes. The priority of the program was to engage and help the most vulnerable populations that need relief from the recent rise in property taxes. 

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Who Can Apply?

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• Residents

• Homeowners

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Overview of Process

Applicants submit their applications along with supporting documentation showing that the property is their primary residence, and the property taxes are currently delinquent. Applicants can submit online, via mail, or by dropping off applications in person. In the case of any errors found on submitted applications, applicants have the opportunity to make corrections and/or provide supporting documentation.