April 12, 2018
“Attorneys representing homeowners filed lawsuits Thursday against the Los Angeles County, alleging a county program that funds solar panels and other energy-efficient home improvements is a “plague” that’s ruined the finances of many borrowers by saddling them with loans they cannot afford.
The twin suits seeking class-action status were filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court against the county, as well as Renovate America and Renew Financial, the county’s private lender partners for the Property Assessed Clean Energy program.
The suits, brought by Irell & Manella, Public Counsel and Bet Tzedek, ask that loans for borrowers in the class be canceled and that homeowners be returned any money paid.
‘We can’t keep up with the number of complaints about this program,’ said Jennifer H. Sperling, an attorney with Bet Tzedek. ‘This is a systemic problem.’
Organizations mentioned/involved: Public Counsel, Bet Tzedek Legal Services