Homeowners' Exemption. Under California law, a homeowner is entitled to the protection of a certain amount of equity in the home that is his or her principal residence (home).How do I file a declared homestead? Complete form BOE-266, Claim for Homeowners'. Property Tax Exemption. The new law eliminates many qualifying conditions and provides a homestead exemption to anyone with a principal residence. A Declaration of Homestead must be completed, signed, and notarized, in order to be recorded in the Clerk-Recorder's Office. Who is eligible for this homestead exemption? Every homeowner who resides in his or her home is entitled to this protection. To qualify for the homeowners' exemption, the home must have been the principal residence of the owner as of January 1 of that tax year.