Consumers bring their complaints about businesses to the Department of Consumer Affairs. A full-time staff works to resolve complaints sent to DCA by 311, mail, walk-in clients, and this Web site.

DCA takes complaints related to all 55 licensed business categories, as well as any NYC business that violates the Consumer Protection Law or other related laws.

All businesses rely on the good will of the community and repeat customers. Working with DCA and consumers makes good business sense. By law, DCA must contact the business when a complete, documented complaint is received. If the business does not respond, it could receive a violation and face penalties.

If a business decides to settle with the consumer, the complaint can be resolved with DCA's help. In some cases, businesses can take a case to an administrative hearing, where both arguments will be considered, and decided on, by an independent administrative law judge.

DCA has a free guide that explains the administrative hearing process. 

Read the guide
Find out more on What Every Business Should Know (in pdf)