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Tax break for Chinese drywall draws only 220 of 2,500 eligible

Staff file photo by SHERRI LONON

Gases from Chinese drywall are believed to corrode appliances and air conditioning pipes, as with this home in Sun City Center.

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By SHANNON BEHNKEN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 12, 2009

TAMPA - The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser's Office is offering a break to those with tainted drywall imported from China and is surprised more people aren't taking advantage of it.

"I thought the phone would be ringing off the hook," said Jack Flenniken, director of residential valuation for the county.

So far, 220 cases have been filed with the office, although business seems to be picking up. Flenniken said about 40 homeowners registered for the program last week.

The office has estimated that as many as 2,500 Hillsborough County homes could have the drywall. It was used in as many as 100,000 homes across the nation during the housing boom.

After an evaluation, Hillsborough County is offering to halve the estimated value of a home in the worst cases. The value of the land would not be included in the deduction.

Everyone who has asked so far has received the full discount, Flenniken said.

The affects of the drywall is still being investigated, but it is believed to emit a corrosive gas that damages appliances, gives off a rotten-egg stench and may cause health problems.

Homeowners have complained of dry eyes and respiratory problems.

Builders typically use domestic drywall but a shortage during the housing boom led them to import the product from China. Most affected homes were built from 2004 through 2007.

Flenniken said the majority of the complaints he has fielded came from south Hillsborough County, although the office has found Chinese drywall in south Tampa and Westchase.

The builders involved in the cases reported include WCI Communities, MI Homes, Beazer Homes, Lennar and KB Home.

Some builders are offering to replace the drywall, but it's costly, and some question whether that truly takes care of the problem. Builders say the average price of remediation is $100,000. Large homes can cost much more.

Some homeowners are joining class action law suits, which are currently pending.

There is no deadline for homeowners to take advantage of the tax deduction, but Flenniken recommends they act quickly. Tax bills are sent out Nov. 1.

Hillsborough County homeowners can call the property appraiser's office at (813) 272-6100 to inquire about the deduction.

Reporter Shannon Behnken can be reached at (813) 259-7804.

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