What proof do I need to show that I have defective drywall?

Contact the Property Appraiser’s Office and provide one or more of the following documents as evidence of defective drywall in your home:

• Proof that the property has the Knauf brand or other defective drywall.
• Proof that Knauf brand or other defective drywall is causing damage to copper lines and electrical wiring.
• Professional inspection reports.
• Legal documents.
• Insurance claims.

How do I contact the Property Appraisers office?

You can contact us through email: [email protected]. Please include the phrase "Defective Drywall" in the subject line of your email.

You may also call 786-331-5931, send a fax to 305-679-7940 or visit our Downtown Miami office.

Will the Property Appraiser reduce the assessed value of my property due to defective drywall?

Once it has been determined that the property has defective drywall, its effect on value must be determined. To evaluate the extent of its value impact, our office will need a professional (itemized) cost to remedy (cure) from an architect, engineer, contractor or builder.

Our technical staff may also inspect the property.

Based on the information collected, the current year assessment will be reduced to reflect the impact of defective drywall.

Is there a deadline to submit the defective drywall documentation to the Property Appraiser's office?

It is recommended that property owners submit pertinent information to our office as soon as possible. The Property Appraiser will continue to receive and review appropriate documentation for the current assessment year.

How will the Property Appraiser assess my property once I have removed the defective drywall and completed the reconstruction?

Property Appraisal staff will review existing reconstruction permits for completion status.

Once the remedial work has been completed, Property Appraisal staff will re-inspect the property to confirm its completion as of the statutory assessment date of January 1.

The original value will be re-instated according to Florida law.

How are properties with defective drywall problems assessed?

County Property Appraisers can assess buildings with defective drywall at zero dollars. This means the owners of these homes will pay no property taxes on the buildings, while they are being repaired. They will, however, be responsible for paying the taxes on the land and on any extra features such as pools and patios.

Homeowners with defective drywall must visit the Property Appraiser's Office and present documented evidence of these conditions. Such documentation could include a report by a professional engineer, building inspector or environmental scientist. Insurance claims can also be used to substantiate your case.

What other agencies have information or assistance on defective drywall?

To learn about the signs of Chinese drywall presence, investigations into the problem and to sign up for e-mail updates, homeowners are encouraged to contact the following agencies on the internet or by phone:

• US Consumer Product Safety Commission
  Telephone: 800-638-2772