Saved, not sold

A man called us in distress, saying he would become homeless if he could not immediately pay nearly $25,000 in property tax arrears and fees. He said he had just learned that his municipality had seized his properties for unpaid taxes and put them up for auction. The properties would go to the successful bidders unless he came up with the money to cancel the sale.

Result: After we spoke with staff at the municipality, they provided the man with additional time to make the required payments and keep his properties. We also shared best practices with the municipality, which it relayed to its finance staff for future policy development. These include providing reasonable notice for owners whose property is subject to a tax sale to vacate the property, and ensuring that they are informed about available financial and housing supports.