How to claim leftover money from Wayne County foreclosures

June 27, 2026

The Wayne County Treasurer's Office has announced that former property owners have until July 1st to file claims for any surplus money that may result from the sale of their foreclosed properties at tax auctions scheduled for September and October. This opportunity stems from Michigan Supreme Court rulings in 2020 and subsequent years that determined previous owners are entitled to excess funds when foreclosed properties sell above the minimum bid amount after taxes and fees are deducted. Approximately 3,700 properties, with nearly half being vacant lots, have been foreclosed this year and will be auctioned in the fall.

Who is affected

Former property owners whose properties were foreclosed in Wayne County
Current property owners facing foreclosure (approximately 3,700 properties)
Wayne County Treasurer's Office
Treasurer Eric Sabree
Claimants who may need legal assistance from the State Bar of Michigan Legal Resource and Referral Center

What action is being taken

The Wayne County Treasurer's Office is reminding property owners about the approaching deadline
Property owners are filing claims to potentially recover surplus proceeds
The Treasurer's office is directing claimants to the State Bar of Michigan Legal Resource and Referral Center for assistance

Why it matters

This matters because former property owners have a legal right, established by Michigan Supreme Court rulings, to recover money when their foreclosed properties sell for more than the taxes and fees owed. The retroactive nature of the ruling means even those who lost properties before 2020 can recover funds. Missing the July 1st deadline would result in permanent forfeiture of these rights, potentially leaving significant money unclaimed that rightfully belongs to former owners who already suffered property loss.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com