KATY, Texas – Irene Lynn says she contacted Renewal by Andersen after receiving an advertisement for replacement windows. She says she simply wanted an estimate.
Instead, she alleges a salesperson asked her to sign multiple times on an electronic tablet, telling her the signatures were needed so an underwriter could generate a price quote.
“I thought I was signing for the estimate of the window,” Lynn said.
Lynn says she questioned why she was being asked to sign documents she had not read.
“Why am I signing all this? I didn’t even read the documents.”
She says she refused to continue signing and repeatedly asked to review the paperwork first.
According to Lynn, she did not receive copies of the documents until about a week to 10 days later.
“When I read it, it says, ‘You got three days before you sign this paper.’ I didn’t even have three days,” she said.
Lynn says she later learned the electronic signatures had been applied to a contract for approximately $50,000 worth of replacement windows. No windows have been installed at her home.
Now, she says she has received an attorney demand letter alleging breach of contract and seeking more than $44,000.
“I didn’t do any windows. Why am I owing this money?” Lynn said.
Friend says widow only wanted a quote
Sue Saba, a longtime friend who has been helping Lynn navigate the dispute, believes the widow was pressured into signing documents she did not understand.
“She was just asking for an estimate. She didn’t say, ‘I want brand-new windows today.’ Just, ‘Please give me an estimate,’” Saba said.
Saba also questioned why a contract would be signed before Lynn received a price.
“Who signs a contract without knowing the price of anything?”
Saba says Lynn’s homeowners association never approved the project, and she believes the contract should be canceled.
Consumer attorney explains Texas protections
KPRC 2 also spoke with an attorney from Lone Star Legal Aid, who reviewed the general legal issues involved but did not evaluate Lynn’s specific case.
The attorney explained that, under Texas law, consumers who sign certain contracts in their homes are generally entitled to receive a cancellation form at the time they sign.
“If the consumer does not get a copy of the form at the time they sign the contract, then the law says that the contract can be canceled,” the attorney said.
The attorney added that if a consumer receives the cancellation paperwork only after the three-day deadline has already passed, “there may be room to argue that the cancellation period starts on the date that the consumer received that form.”
The attorney also urged consumers to be cautious before signing electronically.
“The most valuable thing they own is their signature. When you sign something, you are bound to it.”
The attorney recommends asking for paper copies of contracts before signing and taking time to carefully review the documents.
Company’s response
KPRC 2 spoke with a district manager for Renewal by Andersen, who said the company believes all of the required steps for installation had been completed, which may have been triggered by the signed documents.
However, the district manager said the company is now reviewing the case to determine what may have gone wrong and where the confusion occurred.
What consumers should know
Consumer advocates recommend homeowners:
- Read every document before signing.
- Ask for paper copies of all contracts and cancellation forms.
- Avoid signing on electronic signature pads if you have not reviewed the full agreement.
- Consult an attorney before signing major home improvement contracts.
- Seek legal advice immediately if you receive a demand letter or lawsuit related to a home improvement contract.