Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loans were intended to help homeowners finance clean energy upgrades, but instead have led to devastating financial consequences for many—particularly seniors and homeowners of color. Poor oversight and the structure of the program have left thousands burdened with unaffordable property tax bills and at risk of foreclosure.

Public Counsel’s Consumer Rights and Economic Justice project helps homeowners harmed by PACE financing understand their rights and explore options for relief. We provide legal advice, advocate for policy reforms, and in some cases offer direct representation. Our team has filed class action lawsuits challenging the program’s harmful practices and helped eliminate millions of dollars in fraudulent PACE lien debt. We also lead the Clean Energy Justice campaign, bringing together legal services and community-based organizations to improve consumer protections in home improvement and solar lending.

Click here for updates on the PACE L.A. settlement (Ocana v. Renew Financial Holdings). See Get Help below to apply for support with a PACE loan in LA County.

Public Counsel hosts a bimonthly Debt Collection Defense Clinic where we provide free legal advice on how to deal with predatory home improvement loans, such as PACE. Assistance is offered through brief one-on-one consultations. In some cases, we are able to offer direct representation.

To request help, visit the Debt Collection Defense Clinic page for details about clinic hours and services.

If you don’t have legal representation but want to take action right away, here are some things you can do without a lawyer.

• File a Claim for Cancellation of PACE Taxes with LA County’s Assessment Appeals Board
  • LA County’s Assessment Appeal Application (Form AAB-100) is available HERE.
  • The PACE Complaint form (to submit with Form AAB-100) and an English language guide to assist you in completing and submitting the appeal is available HERE.
  • The PACE Complaint form (to submit with Form AAB-100) and a Spanish language guide to assist you in completing and submitting the appeal is available HERE.
  • Please note that the window to file a cancellation claim with the County Assessment Appeals Board is from July 2–November 30 every year.
• File a complaint with the Contractor’s State License Board. Be as specific as possible in your complaint, and send supporting documents.
  • An English language guide to help you file a complaint with the Contractor’s State License Board is available HERE.
  • A Spanish language guide to help you file a complaint with the Contractor’s State License Board is available HERE.
• Write to your County Supervisor, and your state and federal representatives. Try to be thorough but concise.
• Write to or file a complaint with the California Attorney General and/or the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.
  • An English language guide to help you file a complaint with the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation is available HERE.
  • A Spanish language guide to help you file a complaint with the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation is available HERE.
• File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
• If you can afford to pay a lawyer, a good way to find one who knows about home improvement contracts and PACE financing is through the Los Angeles County Bar Association at (213) 243-1525 or online HERE.