The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs cited 26 home improvement contractors on Thursday seeking $251,602 in civil penalties and consumer restitution based on complaints by consumers across the state, Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman announced.
All but three of the contractors have been directed to pay $153,582 in restitution to consumers. The restitution amounts range from $200 to $27,400 and represent the amounts owed to consumers due to the alleged failure to start and/or finish work for which consumers had pre-paid.
All 26 contractors were also cited for various violations of New Jersey’s Contractors’ Registration Act, including alleged failure to provide consumers with detailed, written contracts, which are required for all home improvement repairs costing more than $500.
The citations are part of an ongoing crackdown by the division against allegedly unregistered and/or noncompliant contractors.
“The great majority of New Jersey’s registered home improvement contractors are proud to provide honest, quality service to their clients,” Hoffman said. “But the fact that home improvement-related issues remain the No. 1 consumer complaint in New Jersey means that this enforcement action is needed to deter those contractors who violate our consumer protection laws.”