April 2023
paramount
Special Funding for "Green" Home Improvements Homeowners in Paramount now have an innovative way to fund renovations for renewable energy, energy- and water-efficiency, seismic retrofitting, and other “green” upgrades. These could include energy-efficiency home improvements like strengthening a roof for solar panels or replacing older heating and cooling systems and water heaters. Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing is based on a homeowner’s home equity rather than their credit score, requires no money down to start a project, and enables customers to make payments through their property taxes.
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Paramount joins more than 30 cities in L.A. County providing PACE funding. State legislation and regulation by the Department of Financing Protection and Innovation provide consumer protections for homeowners taking part in the program. PACE is also committed to working with Spanish-speaking homeowners and contractors. All materials are available in Spanish, such as the website and contracts, and the customer service call center is staffed with more than 60 bilingual employees. Scan the QR codes to learn more.
Fair Housing Foundation promotes equal housing rights April is National Fair Housing Month. The residents of Paramount are served by the Fair Housing Foundation (FHF), a non-profit dedicated to eliminating discrimination in housing and promoting equal access to housing choices for everyone. FHF engages in outreach, education, and other offerings. Here is an example of their mediation services. A tenant contacted FHF about a rent increase and changes in utilities, pet fees, and the security deposit by the building’s new owner. The tenant wondered if all these changes were allowed. An FHF counselor explained about the process, notices, timing, applicable fees, and mediation. The tenant decided to speak to the owner on his own. Later, the tenant contacted FHF again, stating he had informed
the landlord that his rental increase exceeded AB 1482 State levels, and that after this conversation he was issued a 60-Day Notice to Vacate. The counselor reached out to the landlord in a letter that suggested they contact FHF. The housing provider did reach out and was informed of the tenant protections under AB 1482 as well the possibility that the landlord had illegally retaliated against the tenant for exercising his rights. The landlord now understood their responsibilities as a housing provider and was encouraged to contact FHF in the future with questions about housing-related issues. Please visit www.fhfca.org or call 1-800-446-3247 to learn about more services and the virtual Fair Housing Celebration on April 27.