Home Defenders

ACCE Los Angeles’ Home Defenders chapter is organizing to help homeowners at risk of foreclosure stay in their homes. In 2020, ACCE leaders from the Home Defenders successfully fought to get the county to end its controversial Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program that had victimized thousands of LA homeowners. PACE programs are enabled by state legislation that permits municipalities to offer financing for qualifying “green energy” improvements, which homeowners repay through an increase in their property taxes. But the programs are riddled with fraud, forgery, identity theft, price gouging, undisclosed costs and fees, and unpermitted and uncompleted work. And in a significant victory for approximately 100 PACE victims, then City Attorney Mike Feuer announced in July 2022 a $6 million settlement to be distributed to Los Angeles homeowners harmed by the unfair deceptive and unlawful practices by Eco Solar, a company connected to the PACE program. Many PACE victims remain uncompensated however, and ACCE is working hard to lobby state legislators to provide a restitution fund. ACCE is now partnering with Public Counsel to provide free quarterly online clinics for homeowners seeking help.