DCWP Recaps "Fee Free February," Celebrates Offensive Against Junk Fees Across New York City
February 27, 2026
Commissioner Levine Lauds DCWP’s Efforts to Reduce Costs for New Yorkers Through Multi-Pronged Outreach and Enforcement Approach
NEW YORK, NY – Today the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) capped off its inaugural “Fee Free February” by celebrating a month of decisive actions taken to protect New Yorkers from the junk fees and hidden charges exacerbating a cost-of-living crisis across the five boroughs. From filing major lawsuits against companies that saddle consumers with deceptive fees and announcing new administrative rules that ban hidden hotel fees, to launching blitzes and warning letters to industries notorious for ripping off working people, DCWP pursued an aggressive slate of measures to lower costs for consumers, workers and jobseekers. As “Fee Free February” draws to a close, DCWP will continue to be the tip of the spear of the Mamdani Administration’s efforts to hold corporate cheats accountable and help working New Yorkers keep more of what they earn.
“The days of New Yorkers being blindsided by hidden fees are over,” said DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine. “During Fee Free February and beyond, DCWP will use every tool to deliver a fairer, more transparent economy that the working people of this city deserve.”
Fee Free February: Looking Back at a Month of Action
Over the last month, DCWP exercised a range of actions within its broad rulemaking and enforcement authority to clamp down on rising costs. This action follows up on Mayor Mamdani’s executive orders directing DCWP to lead a citywide crackdown on junk fees and subscription traps.
Radiant Solar Lawsuit: DCWP began the month by filing a landmark lawsuit against Radiant Solar, a solar panel installation company that defrauded New Yorkers seeking lower energy bills by signing them up for large loans without disclosing terms or obtaining consent and baking in an undisclosed “dealer fees.” As CBS reports, consumers experienced shoddy or incomplete installation and often had to pay out of pocket to address the damage. DCWP seeks $18 million in restitution and about $1.7 million in penalties from Radiant Solar and its CEO — the largest sum the city has ever sought from a home improvement contractor.
Free Tax Prep and Compliance Blitz: In early February, Commissioner Sam Levine joined Mayor Mamdani to announce free tax preparation services for New Yorkers as part of DCWP’s NYC Free Tax Prep initiative. DCWP also announced a citywide sweep of paid tax preparer locations to ensure they are following the law and issued compliance notices warning paid tax preparers of the City’s ban on illegal overcharging and hidden fees.
Enforcement Against Predatory Employment Agencies: Rounding out the first week of February, DCWP put predatory employment agencies in its crosshairs, conducting citywide inspections and sending compliance notices to more than 270 registered businesses across the city. These actions came on the heels of a year that saw DCWP file three significant cases against employment agencies for unlawful and exploitative conduct including charging jobseekers unlawful advance fees. The letters warn businesses to obey consumer protection laws that safeguard against illegal junk fees, misleading documentation, and other illegitimate tactics in which job seekers are forced to pay a substantial portion of their earnings in return for obtaining placement.
Extra Space Lawsuit: In the second week of February, DCWP announced the filing of a landmark lawsuit against Extra Space (NYSE:EXR), a national publicly-traded self-storage company that operates approximately 60 locations across New York City. After reviewing more than 100 complaints, DCWP’s investigation found that Extra Space precipitously raised prices with little to no notice, charged previously undisclosed “late fees” for allegedly delayed payment, and threatened to auction off consumers’ belongings unless the consumer paid the entirety of the unexpected charges and fees. DCWP is seeking to hold the company accountable for its misconduct in New York by pursuing restitution for aggrieved consumers and civil penalties for thousands of violations of City law. This is the first lawsuit DCWP is bringing against a self-storage company.
“Subscription Trap” Compliance Warning to NYC Gyms: “Fee Free February” continued apace into the second half of the month. DCWP sent warning notices to 187 gyms and health clubs across the city, including Planet Fitness and Equinox. The letters urge businesses to comply with state law governing membership cancellations and with the city’s Consumer Protection Law, which prohibits deceptive advertising, like bait-and-switch pricing, that makes cancellations intentionally difficult. In 2025, the Department received dozens of complaints from consumers struggling to cancel their gym memberships.
Hidden Hotel Fees Ruling Takes Effect: On February 22, DCWP’s final rule banning junk fees on hotel stays took effect. This rule will protect both consumers coming to New York City and New Yorkers traveling elsewhere around the country. According to leading economists, banning hotel junk fees will save New Yorkers up to $35 million per year, and will save visitors to New York up to $31 million. DCWP’s rule, modeled after a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule, makes it a deceptive trade practice under the City’s Consumer Protection Law to offer, display or advertise a price for a hotel without clearly and conspicuously disclosing the total price of the stay, including all mandatory fees.
First Rental Ripoff Hearing: On Thursday, February 26, DCWP joined the Mamdani Administration’s first Rental Ripoff Hearing in Brooklyn, engaging directly with New Yorkers about their experiences with unscrupulous landlords. This hearing marked an important first step towards quashing forced broker fees, hidden charges and other predatory practices that are jacking up the cost of living. DCWP is proud to enforce the Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act, which prohibits brokers who represent landlords from charging broker fees to tenants. Since the FARE Act took effect, DCWP has received over 1,400 complaints against illegal broker fees and filed 50 summonses to real estate brokers, landlords, or property managers for violating the law. This month, Commissioner Levine joined Council Member Ossé to promote DCWP’s successful crackdown on junk rental fees and its ongoing push to get more money back in tenants’ pockets.
The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) is the nation’s leading municipal enforcement agency charged with delivering economic justice. DCWP leverages its authority to bring New Yorkers real economic relief and protect them from predatory, deceptive, and unfair practices that violate their rights as consumers and workers. This includes pioneering cutting-edge protections, such as the City’s Consumer Protection Law, Protected Time Off Law, Fair Workweek Law, and Delivery Worker Laws, including the Minimum Pay Rate for delivery workers. Through licensing more than 45,000 businesses in over 45 industries, DCWP ensures fair competition and a level playing field for responsible small businesses that are integral to New York City’s vibrant communities. DCWP also provides essential services such as free tax preparation and financial counseling to ensure New Yorkers keep more of what they earn and can plan for their futures. DCWP is committed to making sure New York City is a fairer, more affordable place to live. For more information about DCWP and its work, call 311 or visit DCWP at nyc.gov/dcwp, sign up for its newsletter, or follow on its social media sites, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Media Contact:
Milo Fink Gringlas
Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
(212) 436-4977
press@dcwp.nyc.gov