Did your property suffer damage from this week’s severe storms, flooding or high winds? You may qualify for a temporary reduction in your Auditor’s appraised value. Franklin County property owners can apply for a review of storm-related damage.
Published on 11 August 2026
After high winds and inundating rain moved through central Ohio Monday and Tuesday, Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano is reminding homeowners that they may qualify for a temporary reduction in property value if their home or other structure was damaged in the storms. Franklin County was included in several National Weather Service Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and Flood Warnings on August 10 and 11, and the area received several inches of rain with accompanying wind gusts of around 80 mph.
State law gives county auditors the authority to reduce real estate values for properties that have been damaged or destroyed. A substantial reduction in value may result in lower real estate taxes until the property is restored.
“Monday and Tuesday’s flooding and severe winds might have caused significant damage for some Franklin County homeowners,” Auditor Stinziano said. “If your property was damaged, our office wants you to know there may be relief available. We encourage property owners to file for a temporary reduction in value if they believe their property qualifies.”
The Auditor’s office also has authority under Ohio law to proactively reduce values on damaged properties it identifies. If the office identifies a property as damaged and eligible for a change in value, the homeowner will receive a letter notifying them of the proposed adjustment.
Property owners may apply online or by completing a printed form. Supporting materials such as photos, repair estimates, or insurance claim information can be helpful, but they are not required.
For more information and to access the Damaged or Destroyed Property form, visit: auditor.franklincountyohio.gov/Real-Estate/Tax-Reduction-Programs/Damaged-and-Destroyed.