Senator Carlucci’s Storm Chaser Bill Signed Into Law

(Albany, NY) -- Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester)'s Storm Chaser Bill (S.1405/A.7531) was signed into law on Monday.

The bill aims to crack down on unscrupulous roofers who take advantage of homeowners following natural disasters and perform sub-standard work or no work at all. 

The Storm Chaser Bill enacts comprehensive consumer protections for homeowners. Under the new law, roofing contractors in New York State must have a written contract with the homeowner and allow a homeowner to cancel a contract within 3 days if a repair claim is denied. The legislation also prohibits roofing contractors from advertising rebates toward the cost of a deductible or requiring a deposit of more than 50% of the total cost of the job. 

Senator David Carlucci said, “New York must always protect homeowners, especially after a natural disaster when they are most vulnerable to unscrupulous contractors. This legislation will hold contractors accountable and stop scammers from ripping off homeowners. Thank you to Governor Cuomo for signing this bill into law."      

After Hurricane Sandy, the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery confirmed 171 cases of contractor fraud, which resulted in millions of dollars stolen from hardworking New York homeowners.

This legislation will take effect 6 months after being signed into law.