To claim the exemption, the homeowner must make a one-time filing with the county assessor where the property is located. Complete form BOE-266, Claim for Homeowners'.Property Tax Exemption. We are married spouses or registered domestic partners. How do I file a declared homestead? In order to qualify, you must be a property owner, co-owner or a purchaser named in a contract of sale. 1. Homeowners looking to protect their primary residence. New property owners will usually receive an exemption application within 90 days of recording a deed. Judgment (ex: mortgages) plus (2) the amount of the homestead exemption. The new law eliminates many qualifying conditions and provides a homestead exemption to anyone with a principal residence.