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City Warns Homeowners in Bushwick about Post-Ida Price Gouging

October 4, 2021

NEW YORK—Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) and the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit (PEU) went door-to-door in Bushwick, Brooklyn last Friday, October 1st, to speak with homeowners who were affected by Hurricane Ida. Staff shared important resources including multilingual tips when hiring contractors for home repairs and warned homeowners about price gouging related to Ida home repairs.

Here are important tips to protect your home and money as you look to recover:

  • BEWARE of price gouging and report it. Under the declared state of emergency, businesses cannot excessively increase the price of any goods or services that are essential to health or safety, or are promoted this way. This includes home repair, plumbing, electrical services. If you think a business increased the cost for repairs, file a complaint at nyc.gov/dcwp or call 311 and say “Overcharge.”
  • ONLY use a home improvement contractor licensed by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Call 311 or visit nyc.gov/dcwp to check license status.
  • INSIST on more than one reference—and check them. Also call 311 to check any complaint history with DCWP.
  • GET written estimates and contracts. Visit nyc.gov/dcwp to see what these documents should include.
  • NEVER pay the full price upfront and NEVER pay cash.
  • NEVER get a loan through a home improvement contractor—it’s illegal. Help is available at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • ONLY use a plumber or electrician licensed by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). Visit nyc.gov/buildings to check license status.
  • ASK to see permits. All electrical work and most plumbing work require a permit from DOB.

DCWP also created Post-Storm Reminders for Businesses in multiple languages. DCWP will investigate all reports of price gouging and issue violations and fines to predatory businesses.

For more resources, including Quick Tips When Hiring a Home Improvement Contractor and Home Improvement Contractor Sample Estimate, Contract, Notice of Cancellation, and Change Order Form visit nyc.gov/dcwp.