New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has signed legislation that, he said in a statement, would "crack[] down" on so-called "storm chasers" – "unscrupulous roofers" who take advantage of homeowners when a natural disaster strikes a community and "exploit" their need for home repair services and either perform substandard work that must be redone or no work at all.
The legislation (S1405/A7531) prohibits roofers from using insurance deductibles as inducements to enter into an agreement for services.
"It is reprehensible that in the aftermath of a natural disaster that bad actors exploit New Yorkers, especially our seniors, at their greatest time of need," Governor Cuomo said. "In enacting this legislation, we are protecting families and business owners from these unscrupulous con artists who prey on the vulnerable and leave even more damage in their wake."
Senator David Carlucci added, "New York must always protect homeowners, especially after a natural disaster when they are most vulnerable to unscrupulous contractors. Our legislation will hold contractors accountable and stop scams from ripping off homeowners."
Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon said, "Thank you Governor Cuomo for signing this much needed legislation that was prepared by Senator Carlucci and me. Recently, many homes and businesses were damaged in the Mohawk Valley and across the state during the Halloween 2019 storm. This legislation will ensure that property repairs are being completed by legitimate contractors with the goal of providing quality, safe work for the property owner."
The legislation takes effect 180 days after enactment.
Victoria Spears
Victoria Prussen Spears is senior vice president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Brooklyn Law School, Ms. Spears was an attorney at a leading New York City law firm before joining Meyerowitz Communications. She may be contacted at [email protected].